To the Store Clerk That Left Me Absolutely Without Words – I Salute You
This occurred on a weekend morning, and I found myself in a foul mood, filling up my mother's vehicle. The location was a common fuel stop that operates as a grocery store, so you run the risk of waiting behind customers carrying goods of slightly overpriced groceries. It's an awful situation to occur when all you want is to complete a simple refueling. Awful.
My position was fourth among those waiting. There was only employee working, a female attendant. A peculiar quality in her demeanor. When the faffer at the head of the line had finally paid for a cleaning product, a baked snack, and a carton of eggs, I could have sworn that I heard the cashier tell him an excellent day. Odd. Perhaps I’d misheard, or perhaps she spoke and was being sarcastic. I pondered if perhaps she was an ally in the war on delays, sharing my contempt for individuals slowing down straightforward customers like me.
I moved up, becoming the third customer. The next shopper of our group completed her gasoline purchase with impressive quickness. Once more it happened: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” No, actually, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. A stateside native? In Stourbridge? She had the accent, and hardly anyone here says to others such a cheerful phrase, or merely a pleasant day. Highly unusual. It's uncommon to find US citizens knocking around Stourbridge, certainly not holding jobs in fueling spots or other places.
I was second now. Following a senior shopper embroiled in a protracted effort with her basket, her groceries, her wallet and her membership pass. It went on for ever. Once completed, she too got told to have a fantastic day. Definitely from the US. I could have confirmed it by making a witty remark at the cashier, to observe that thing when they look at you, without a smile, and state very earnestly: “That’s really funny.” However, nothing occurred of a funny comment to express.
In the end, I embraced the heartfelt tone – or a performance of it, which amounts to identical in effect – as she gazed me right in the eye, piercingly, and wished me a wonderful day. I felt better for it. It was a good thing.
