To the Store Clerk Who Made Me Absolutely Without Words – Kudos to You
The scene was a weekend morning, and I was grumpy enough, refueling my mum’s car. This was a common fuel stop that also functions as a grocery store, which often leads of joining a queue people bearing baskets of pricey provisions. A terrible fate to happen when your only desire is to get gasoline and leave. Awful.
I was fourth in the queue. Just one person serving, a young woman. Something stood out to her presence. After the ditherer at the front of the queue had finally paid for his Viakal, his sausage roll, and his box of eggs, I could have sworn that I heard the cashier bid him an excellent day. Unusual. Maybe it was a mistake, or possibly she uttered it and was being sarcastic. I pondered if she might actually be a supporter in my fight against faff, sharing my contempt for individuals slowing down straightforward customers like me.
I moved up, becoming the third customer. The new leader of the queue discharged her fuel-only transaction with notable efficiency. Once more it happened: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” To be precise, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. A stateside native? At this location? She had the accent, and no British person says to others such a cheerful phrase, or even just a nice day. Highly unusual. It's uncommon to find many Americans visiting this town, and definitely not working in petrol stations or elsewhere.
Second in line at last. Following a senior shopper embroiled in a right old battle with her carryall, her purchases, her handbag and her rewards card. The process dragged on. After she finished, the woman also was wished a wonderful day. Yes, American for sure. I could have confirmed it by saying something hilarious in her direction, to see if she did that reaction when they look at you, stoically, and say with absolute sincerity: “That’s really funny.” Yet no idea came of anything hilarious to say.
In the end, I embraced for the absolute sincerity – or a mimicry of sincerity, that equates to no different – as she gazed directly into my eyes, deep into my soul, and told me an awesome day. It improved my mood. It was a good thing.
