Addressing the Store Clerk Who Made Me Totally Without Words – My Hat's Off to You
This occurred on a weekend morning, and I felt sufficiently irritable, topping off my mum’s car. This was one of those petrol stations that also functions as a supermarket, so you run the risk of ending up in line customers carrying goods of pricey provisions. This is a dreadful thing to unfold when the sole aim is to get gasoline and leave. Terrible.
My position was fourth in the queue. There was only employee working, a female attendant. A peculiar quality to her presence. Once the slowpoke at the first position had finally paid for his purchases, his pastry, and some breakfast items, I was certain I heard the cashier bid him an excellent day. Strange. Maybe it was a mistake, or maybe she did say it and meant it ironically. I wondered if perhaps she was an ally in my fight against faff, echoing my disdain for those who delay simple fuel-buyers like me.
Advancing next, to third in the queue. The new leader of the queue finished pumping gas with notable efficiency. Again, the phrase came: “Have a wonderful day.” To be precise, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. A stateside native? In Stourbridge? She had the accent, and hardly anyone here says to others those exact words, or merely a pleasant day. Highly unusual. Rarely does one encounter many Americans knocking around Stourbridge, certainly not employed at gas stations or other places.
I was second now. After an elderly lady engaged in a right old battle with her basket, her food items, her handbag and her rewards card. The process dragged on. Once completed, she as well got told an excellent day. Definitely from the US. I might have verified it by saying something hilarious to her, to see if she did that reaction as they gaze at you, unsmilingly, and state very earnestly: “That is quite humorous.” However, nothing occurred of a funny comment to express.
I just had to settle the heartfelt tone – or an impersonation of it, that equates to the same thing – as she gazed me right in the eye, to my very core, and wished me to have a great day. I felt better for it. It was a good thing.
