To the Store Clerk That Made Me Totally Wordless – My Hat's Off to You
It was a Sunday morning, and I felt in a foul mood, filling up my mother's vehicle. This was one of those petrol stations that operates as a grocery store, so you run the risk of joining a queue customers carrying goods of slightly overpriced groceries. A terrible fate to unfold when all you want is to pay for some fuel. Terrible.
I was fourth in the waiting line. There was only person serving, a youthful clerk. A peculiar quality in her demeanor. Once the slowpoke at the head of the line had finally paid for his purchases, his sausage roll, and some breakfast items, I was certain overhearing the cashier tell him a wonderful day. Strange. Maybe it was a mistake, or perhaps she spoke and meant it ironically. I wondered if she could even be a comrade in my fight against faff, sharing my contempt for those who delay people just getting gas including me.
Taking a step forward, to third in the queue. The person ahead of our line discharged her fuel-only transaction with notable efficiency. Once more it happened: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” No, actually, it was “have a wonderful day”. An American? Here in Stourbridge? The pronunciation indicated it, and few locals tells people those exact words, or even just a nice day. Quite out of place. It's uncommon to find people from America frequenting this area, certainly not holding jobs in fueling spots or elsewhere.
Second in line at last. Behind a poor older woman embroiled in a protracted effort with her shopping cart, her food items, her handbag and her rewards card. The process dragged on. When she was done, she too received the wish to have a fantastic day. Yes, American for sure. Confirming it was possible by saying something hilarious in her direction, to observe that reaction their typical stare, without a smile, and reply with genuine earnest: “That is quite humorous.” But I couldn’t think of a jest to say.
In the end, I embraced the genuine warmth – or an impersonation of it, essentially the same as no different – while she stared directly into my eyes, piercingly, and bid me a wonderful day. I felt better for it. It was a good thing.
