For the Store Clerk Who Left Me Totally Without Words – I Salute You
The scene was a day of rest, and I was grumpy enough, topping off my mother's vehicle. The location was a common fuel stop that doubles as a supermarket, so you run the risk of ending up in line customers carrying goods of slightly overpriced groceries. This is a dreadful thing to happen when all you want is to complete a simple refueling. Terrible.
My position was fourth among those waiting. There was only person serving, a female attendant. A peculiar quality to her presence. When the faffer at the head of the line had completed payment for a cleaning product, his sausage roll, and some breakfast items, I was certain I heard the cashier bid him an excellent day. Odd. Perhaps I’d misheard, or possibly she uttered it and was being sarcastic. The thought crossed my mind if she could even be a supporter in the war on delays, reflecting my irritation for people who hold up straightforward customers including me.
Advancing next, to third in the queue. The new leader of the queue completed her gasoline purchase with commendable speed. Once more it happened: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” To be precise, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. A stateside native? At this location? The pronunciation indicated it, and no British person wishes anyone such a cheerful phrase, or simply a good day. Very rare. It's uncommon to find US citizens visiting this town, and definitely not employed at gas stations or other places.
Second in line at last. After an elderly lady dealing with a lengthy struggle with her basket, her groceries, her wallet and her membership pass. The process dragged on. After she finished, the woman also got told to have a fantastic day. Clearly an American. I might have verified it by cracking a joke in her direction, to check for that thing as they gaze at you, without a smile, and say with absolute sincerity: “You are very amusing.” Yet no idea came of anything hilarious to express.
I just had to settle 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 to have a great day. It improved my mood. A positive experience.
