Addressing the Store Clerk Who Made Me Absolutely Wordless – Kudos to You
The scene was a Sunday morning, and I was sufficiently irritable, filling up my mother's vehicle. It was a common fuel stop that operates as a grocery store, which often leads of ending up in line shoppers with carts of somewhat expensive items. It's an awful situation to occur when the sole aim is to pay for some fuel. Dreadful.
My position was fourth among those waiting. There was only employee working, a youthful clerk. Something stood out to her presence. Once the slowpoke at the first position had completed payment for his Viakal, a baked snack, and a carton of eggs, I could have sworn I heard the cashier bid him an excellent day. Odd. Could be I misunderstood, or maybe she did say it and meant it ironically. I pondered if she might actually be a supporter in my fight against faff, reflecting my irritation for those who delay people just getting gas like me.
Advancing next, now third in line. The person ahead of the queue finished pumping gas with impressive quickness. Again, the phrase came: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” In fact, it was “have a wonderful day”. A stateside native? Here in Stourbridge? Her tone suggested it, and no British person says to others such a cheerful phrase, or even just a nice day. Highly unusual. It's uncommon to find US citizens knocking around Stourbridge, and definitely not working in petrol stations or elsewhere.
I was second now. After an elderly lady embroiled in a protracted effort with her basket, her food items, her wallet and her loyalty card. This took an eternity. Once completed, she as well received the wish an excellent day. Definitely from the US. I might have verified it by saying something hilarious to her, to see if she did that response when they look at you, without a smile, and say with absolute sincerity: “You are very amusing.” However, nothing occurred of a funny comment to say.
In the end, I embraced the genuine warmth – or a mimicry of sincerity, essentially the same as no different – while she stared me right in the eye, to my very core, and wished me to have a great day. My spirits lifted. It was a good thing.
