For the Cashier That Made Me Totally Speechless – My Hat's Off to You
This occurred on a Sunday morning, and I was sufficiently irritable, refueling my mother's vehicle. It was one of those petrol stations that also functions as a grocery store, meaning there's a chance of ending up in line customers carrying goods of slightly overpriced groceries. It's an awful situation to unfold when your only desire is to get gasoline and leave. Terrible.
Fourth in line I stood among those waiting. There was only employee working, a youthful clerk. There was something unusual about her. Once the slowpoke at the head of the line had completed payment for a cleaning product, a baked snack, and a carton of eggs, It seemed to me overhearing the cashier tell him a wonderful day. Unusual. Could be I misunderstood, or maybe she did say it and used a mocking tone. I wondered if she could even be a comrade in my battle with dithering, echoing my disdain for those who delay simple fuel-buyers including me.
Taking a step forward, to third in the queue. The next shopper of the queue completed her gasoline purchase with impressive quickness. And there it was again: “Have a wonderful day.” In fact, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. An American? In Stourbridge? She had the accent, and hardly anyone here wishes anyone such a cheerful phrase, or simply a good day. Quite out of place. You don’t get US citizens knocking around Stourbridge, certainly not holding jobs in fueling spots or anywhere else.
Second in line at last. Behind a poor older woman embroiled in a protracted effort with her shopping cart, her groceries, her handbag and her membership pass. The process dragged on. After she finished, she too got told to have a fantastic day. Yes, American for sure. I could have confirmed it by making a witty remark at the cashier, to see if she did that thing when they look at you, without a smile, and state very earnestly: “That is quite humorous.” Yet no idea came of a funny comment to say.
Ultimately, I accepted the genuine warmth – or an impersonation of it, that equates to the same thing – as she gazed directly into my eyes, deep into my soul, and wished me a wonderful day. My spirits lifted. Beneficial indeed.