Addressing the Store Clerk Who Left Me Completely Wordless – My Hat's Off to You
This occurred on a weekend morning, and I found myself grumpy enough, refueling my mum’s car. The location was one of those petrol stations that doubles as a convenience store, which often leads of ending up in line people bearing baskets of pricey provisions. A terrible fate to occur when all you want is to complete a simple refueling. Dreadful.
I was fourth in the waiting line. Just one person serving, a youthful clerk. Something stood out in her demeanor. Once the slowpoke at the head of the line had finally paid for his Viakal, a baked snack, and his box of eggs, I was certain overhearing the cashier tell him a wonderful day. Unusual. Could be I misunderstood, or maybe she did say it and was being sarcastic. I pondered if she might actually be an ally in my fight against faff, sharing my contempt for those who delay simple fuel-buyers including me.
Taking a step forward, to third in the queue. The new leader of our line discharged her fuel-only transaction with commendable speed. Again, the phrase came: “Have a wonderful day.” To be precise, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. A stateside native? Here in Stourbridge? Her tone suggested it, and few locals says to others such a cheerful phrase, or simply a good day. Highly unusual. It's uncommon to find many Americans visiting this town, and definitely not working in petrol stations or other places.
Now I stood second. After an elderly lady engaged in a lengthy struggle with her basket, her groceries, her purse and her loyalty card. This took an eternity. After she finished, she too got told an excellent day. Yes, American for sure. I could have confirmed it by cracking a joke to her, to check for that response when they look at you, without a smile, and reply with genuine earnest: “You are very amusing.” However, nothing occurred of anything hilarious to express.
In the end, I embraced for the absolute sincerity – or a performance of it, that equates to no different – with which she looked directly into my eyes, piercingly, and bid me an awesome day. My spirits lifted. A positive experience.
