To the Checkout Assistant That Made Me Absolutely Speechless – My Hat's Off to You
It was a weekend morning, and I was in a foul mood, filling up the family car. The location was one of those petrol stations that also functions as a grocery store, meaning there's a chance of joining a queue shoppers with carts of slightly overpriced groceries. It's an awful situation to happen when the sole aim is to complete a simple refueling. Awful.
Fourth in line I stood in the queue. There was only employee working, a youthful clerk. Something stood out in her demeanor. After the ditherer at the front of the queue had finally paid for his purchases, his sausage roll, and his box of eggs, I could have sworn that I heard the cashier wish him a wonderful day. Odd. Could be I misunderstood, or possibly she uttered it and meant it ironically. I wondered if she could even be a supporter in my fight against faff, sharing my contempt for individuals slowing down people just getting gas including me.
Advancing next, to third in the queue. The person ahead of our line finished pumping gas with commendable speed. Again, the phrase came: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” In fact, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. An American? In Stourbridge? Her tone suggested it, and few locals wishes anyone those exact words, or simply a good day. Very rare. It's uncommon to find US citizens frequenting this area, and definitely not working in petrol stations or elsewhere.
I was second now. After an elderly lady dealing with a right old battle with her carryall, her purchases, her purse and her membership pass. This took an eternity. When she was done, she as well received the wish to have a fantastic day. Clearly an American. I could have confirmed it by making a witty remark at the cashier, to see if she did that reaction as they gaze at you, without a smile, and state very earnestly: “That’s really funny.” However, nothing occurred of a jest to say.
Ultimately, I accepted the genuine warmth – or a performance of it, essentially the same as identical in effect – while she stared me right in the eye, to my very core, and bid me an awesome day. I felt better for it. It was a good thing.
