For the Store Clerk Who Made Me Totally Wordless – My Hat's Off to You
The scene was a Sunday morning, and I found myself grumpy enough, topping off my mum’s car. It was one of those petrol stations that operates as a grocery store, so you run the risk of joining a queue customers carrying goods of pricey provisions. A terrible fate to unfold when all you want is to pay for some fuel. Dreadful.
My position was fourth among those waiting. A single employee working, a female attendant. A peculiar quality to her presence. After the ditherer at the head of the line had completed payment 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. The thought crossed my mind if perhaps she was a supporter in my fight against faff, echoing my disdain for those who delay people just getting gas like me.
Advancing next, to third in the queue. The new leader of our group discharged her fuel-only transaction with impressive quickness. Again, the phrase came: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” To be precise, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. An American? At this location? She had the accent, and hardly anyone here says to others those exact words, or simply a good day. Very rare. You don’t get US citizens visiting this town, certainly not working in petrol stations or other places.
I was second now. Behind a poor older woman embroiled in a right old battle with her carryall, her food items, her purse and her rewards card. This took an eternity. Once completed, she as well received the wish an excellent day. Clearly an American. I might have verified it by making a witty remark in her direction, to see if she did that reaction as they gaze at you, unsmilingly, and say with absolute sincerity: “That is quite humorous.” However, nothing occurred of a funny comment to express.
I just had to settle for the absolute sincerity – or a mimicry of sincerity, that equates to the same thing – with which she looked straight at me, to my very core, and told me an awesome day. It improved my mood. Beneficial indeed.
