To the Store Clerk That Made Me Absolutely Speechless – My Hat's Off to You
This occurred on a day of rest, and I was grumpy enough, refueling my mother's vehicle. The location was a typical gas station that also functions as a supermarket, meaning there's a chance of joining a queue people bearing baskets of slightly overpriced groceries. It's an awful situation to occur when your only desire is to get gasoline and leave. Terrible.
Fourth in line I stood in the waiting line. There was only cashier operating, a female attendant. There was something unusual to her presence. After the ditherer 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 wish him a wonderful day. Strange. Maybe it was a mistake, or maybe she did say it and used a mocking tone. I pondered if perhaps she was an ally in my fight against faff, sharing my contempt for those who delay straightforward customers like me.
Taking a step forward, now third in line. The new leader of our group discharged her fuel-only transaction with commendable speed. Once more it happened: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” To be precise, it was “have a wonderful day”. A stateside native? Here in Stourbridge? The pronunciation indicated it, and no British person wishes anyone such a cheerful phrase, or merely a pleasant day. Very rare. It's uncommon to find many Americans frequenting this area, least of all holding jobs in fueling spots or elsewhere.
Second in line at last. After an elderly lady engaged in a right old battle with her basket, her groceries, her purse and her loyalty card. This took an eternity. Once completed, the woman also was wished a wonderful day. Clearly an American. Confirming it was possible by saying something hilarious to her, to observe that response as they gaze at you, unsmilingly, and say with absolute sincerity: “You are very amusing.” But I couldn’t think of anything hilarious to utter.
Ultimately, I accepted for the absolute sincerity – or an impersonation of it, essentially the same as no different – while she stared me right in the eye, to my very core, and bid me to have a great day. It improved my mood. It was a good thing.
