To the Cashier That Left Me Absolutely Wordless – My Hat's Off to You
It was a day of rest, and I found myself grumpy enough, filling up the family car. The location was one of those petrol stations that doubles as a grocery store, meaning there's a chance 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. Terrible.
I was fourth among those waiting. There was only cashier operating, a youthful clerk. A peculiar quality to her presence. After the ditherer at the first position had completed payment for his purchases, his sausage roll, and a carton of eggs, I could have sworn I heard the cashier tell him a wonderful day. Odd. Maybe it was a mistake, or maybe she did say it and was being sarcastic. I wondered if perhaps she was a supporter in my fight against faff, reflecting my irritation for people who hold up people just getting gas including me.
Taking a step forward, now third in line. The next shopper of our line finished pumping gas with notable efficiency. Once more it happened: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” To be precise, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. Someone from the US? In Stourbridge? Her tone suggested it, and no British person wishes anyone such a cheerful phrase, or even just a nice day. Highly unusual. It's uncommon to find people from America frequenting this area, and definitely not employed at gas stations or anywhere else.
Second in line at last. After an elderly lady embroiled in a lengthy struggle with her shopping cart, her groceries, her wallet and her rewards card. This took an eternity. When she was done, she as well got told an excellent day. Yes, American for sure. Confirming it was possible by cracking a joke in her direction, to check for that response their typical stare, unsmilingly, and state very earnestly: “That’s really funny.” But I couldn’t think of a jest to express.
I just had to settle the genuine warmth – or a performance of it, essentially the same as the same thing – while she stared straight at me, piercingly, and wished me to have a great day. I felt better for it. It was a good thing.
