To the Store Clerk Who Made Me Totally Speechless – I Salute You
This occurred on a weekend morning, and I felt in a foul mood, refueling my mother's vehicle. The location was one of those petrol stations that doubles as a grocery store, which often leads of joining a queue people bearing baskets of slightly overpriced groceries. This is a dreadful thing to happen when the sole aim is to get gasoline and leave. Terrible.
My position was fourth among those waiting. There was only cashier operating, a female attendant. A peculiar quality to her presence. Once the slowpoke at the head of the line had completed payment for his Viakal, his sausage roll, and his box of eggs, It seemed to me I heard the cashier wish him to have a great day. Strange. Perhaps I’d misheard, or possibly she uttered it and meant it ironically. I pondered if she might actually be an ally in the war on delays, echoing my disdain for people who hold up simple fuel-buyers including me.
Taking a step forward, to third in the queue. The next shopper of our line finished pumping gas with commendable speed. And there it was again: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” In fact, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. A stateside native? At this location? She had the accent, and no British person wishes anyone a wonderful day, or merely a pleasant day. Highly unusual. It's uncommon to find many Americans knocking around Stourbridge, and definitely not employed at gas stations or elsewhere.
Second in line at last. Behind a poor older woman engaged in a lengthy struggle with her shopping cart, her purchases, her wallet and her rewards card. It went on for ever. After she finished, she too received the wish an excellent day. Yes, American for sure. I could have confirmed it by saying something hilarious to her, to observe that thing when they look at you, without a smile, and reply with genuine earnest: “That is quite humorous.” Yet no idea came of a funny comment to utter.
Ultimately, I accepted the heartfelt tone – or an impersonation of it, that equates to no different – with which she looked directly into my eyes, piercingly, and bid me a wonderful day. My spirits lifted. Beneficial indeed.
