For the Store Clerk Who Left Me Totally Without Words – Kudos to You
This occurred on a Sunday morning, and I was sufficiently irritable, topping off my mother's vehicle. This was one of those petrol stations that operates as a grocery store, which often leads of ending up in line customers carrying goods of slightly overpriced groceries. A terrible fate to unfold when your only desire is to get gasoline and leave. Awful.
My position was fourth in the waiting line. There was only employee working, a youthful clerk. A peculiar quality to her presence. When the faffer at the first position had completed payment for his Viakal, his sausage roll, and his box of eggs, It seemed to me I heard the cashier bid him to have a great day. Unusual. Could be I misunderstood, or maybe she did say it and meant it ironically. I pondered if she might actually be a comrade in my battle with dithering, echoing my disdain for those who delay straightforward customers including me.
Taking a step forward, to third in the queue. The next shopper of the queue completed her gasoline purchase with commendable speed. And there it was again: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” In fact, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. A stateside native? In Stourbridge? She had the accent, and few locals says to others those exact words, or even just a nice day. Highly unusual. You don’t get US citizens visiting this town, certainly not working in petrol stations or anywhere else.
Second in line at last. Behind a poor older woman dealing with a right old battle with her carryall, her groceries, her handbag and her loyalty card. This took an eternity. After she finished, she too received the wish to have a fantastic day. Definitely from the US. Confirming it was possible by saying something hilarious to her, to observe that reaction when they look at you, without a smile, and reply with genuine earnest: “That is quite humorous.” However, nothing occurred of a jest to express.
I just had to settle the heartfelt tone – or a performance of it, essentially the same as no different – while she stared directly into my eyes, piercingly, and told me a wonderful day. I felt better for it. Beneficial indeed.
