For the Store Clerk Who Left Me Totally Wordless – I Salute You
The scene was a day of rest, and I was grumpy enough, filling up my mother's vehicle. It was a typical gas station that also functions as a convenience store, which often leads of joining a queue shoppers with carts of slightly overpriced groceries. This is a dreadful thing to happen when your only desire is to pay for some fuel. Dreadful.
Fourth in line I stood in the waiting line. There was only cashier operating, a female attendant. A peculiar quality in her demeanor. Once the slowpoke at the head of the line had finally paid for his Viakal, his pastry, and his box of eggs, I was certain I heard the cashier tell him an excellent day. Odd. Perhaps I’d misheard, or perhaps she spoke and was being sarcastic. The thought crossed my mind if she could even be a supporter in my battle with dithering, echoing my disdain for those who delay people just getting gas such as myself.
Advancing next, to third in the queue. The next shopper of the queue finished pumping gas with impressive quickness. Again, the phrase came: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” To be precise, it was “have a wonderful day”. A stateside native? Here in Stourbridge? She had the accent, and hardly anyone here wishes anyone those exact words, or even just a nice day. Quite out of place. You don’t get US citizens visiting this town, and definitely not working in petrol stations or other places.
I was second now. Following a senior shopper engaged in a right old battle with her shopping cart, her purchases, her wallet and her membership pass. This took an eternity. After she finished, she too was wished an excellent day. Clearly an American. I might have verified it by making a witty remark at the cashier, to see if she did that response as they gaze at you, stoically, and reply with genuine earnest: “That’s really funny.” But I couldn’t think of anything hilarious to say.
Ultimately, I accepted for the absolute sincerity – or a performance of it, which amounts to no different – as she gazed me right in the eye, piercingly, and wished me to have a great day. I felt better for it. It was a good thing.
