For the Store Clerk That Made Me Completely Wordless – Kudos to You
The scene was a weekend morning, and I was sufficiently irritable, topping off my mum’s car. This was one of those petrol stations that operates as a convenience store, which often leads of ending up in line people bearing baskets of pricey provisions. A terrible fate to happen when your only desire is to get gasoline and leave. Terrible.
I was fourth in the queue. There was only employee working, a youthful clerk. Something stood out in her demeanor. Once the slowpoke at the head of the line had completed payment for his Viakal, a baked snack, and a carton of eggs, It seemed to me that I heard the cashier tell him a wonderful day. Odd. Could be I misunderstood, or perhaps she spoke and meant it ironically. I pondered if she might actually be a supporter in my battle with dithering, echoing my disdain for people who hold up simple fuel-buyers including me.
I moved up, to third in the queue. The next shopper of the queue completed her gasoline purchase with notable efficiency. Once more it happened: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” To be precise, it was “have a wonderful day”. A stateside native? In Stourbridge? Her tone suggested it, and hardly anyone here says to others those exact words, or merely a pleasant day. Highly unusual. It's uncommon to find US citizens knocking around Stourbridge, certainly not working in petrol stations or anywhere else.
I was second now. Behind a poor older woman dealing with a lengthy struggle with her basket, her purchases, her wallet and her rewards card. This took an eternity. After she finished, the woman also was wished to have a fantastic day. Clearly an American. Confirming it was possible by saying something hilarious to her, to see if she did that reaction as they gaze at you, unsmilingly, and say with absolute sincerity: “That is quite humorous.” Yet no idea came of a funny comment to express.
Ultimately, I accepted the genuine warmth – or a performance of it, that equates to identical in effect – with which she looked straight at me, to my very core, and bid me an awesome day. I felt better for it. Beneficial indeed.
