To the Store Clerk Who Left Me Totally Wordless – Kudos to You
The scene was a weekend morning, and I found myself sufficiently irritable, refueling my mum’s car. It was a typical gas station that doubles as a convenience store, which often leads of ending up in line shoppers with carts of slightly overpriced groceries. This is a dreadful thing to occur when the sole aim is to complete a simple refueling. Dreadful.
I was fourth in the waiting line. A single person serving, a young woman. A peculiar quality in her demeanor. After the ditherer at the head of the line had at last settled for his purchases, his sausage roll, and his box of eggs, I was certain overhearing the cashier tell him a wonderful day. Unusual. Maybe it was a mistake, or possibly she uttered it and was being sarcastic. The thought crossed my mind if she might actually be a supporter in the war on delays, reflecting my irritation for those who delay people just getting gas such as myself.
Taking a step forward, now third in line. The new leader of the queue completed her gasoline purchase with impressive quickness. Again, the phrase came: “Have a wonderful day.” No, actually, it was “have a wonderful day”. A stateside native? Here in Stourbridge? She had the accent, and hardly anyone here wishes anyone a wonderful day, or merely a pleasant day. Highly unusual. Rarely does one encounter people from America frequenting this area, and definitely not employed at gas stations or anywhere else.
Second in line at last. Following a senior shopper embroiled in a right old battle with her carryall, her purchases, her handbag and her loyalty card. It went on for ever. After she finished, the woman also was wished a wonderful day. Yes, American for sure. Confirming it was possible by cracking a joke in her direction, to see if she did that thing as they gaze at you, without a smile, and reply with genuine earnest: “That’s really funny.” However, nothing occurred of a jest to express.
I just had to settle the genuine warmth – or an impersonation of it, which amounts to the same thing – with which she looked directly into my eyes, piercingly, and told me a wonderful day. I felt better for it. A positive experience.
