To the Store Clerk Who Left Me Absolutely Wordless – I Salute You
It was a Sunday morning, and I felt sufficiently irritable, topping off my mum’s car. This was a typical gas station that also functions as a supermarket, meaning there's a chance of waiting behind customers carrying goods of slightly overpriced groceries. A terrible fate to unfold when your only desire is to pay for some fuel. Terrible.
My position was fourth in the waiting line. Just one employee working, a youthful clerk. Something stood out to her presence. When the faffer at the head of the line had at last settled for his Viakal, his sausage roll, and some breakfast items, I was certain overhearing the cashier bid him a wonderful day. Odd. Could be I misunderstood, or possibly she uttered it and was being sarcastic. The thought crossed my mind if perhaps she was a supporter in my battle with dithering, sharing my contempt for those who delay straightforward customers like me.
Taking a step forward, to third in the queue. The person ahead of our line completed her gasoline purchase with commendable speed. And there it was again: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” To be precise, it was “have a wonderful day”. An American? In Stourbridge? She had the accent, and hardly anyone here says to others such a cheerful phrase, or even just a nice day. Highly unusual. It's uncommon to find many Americans knocking around Stourbridge, certainly not working in petrol stations or elsewhere.
Second in line at last. Behind a poor older woman embroiled in a protracted effort with her carryall, her purchases, her handbag and her loyalty card. It went on for ever. When she was done, she too received the wish an excellent day. Yes, American for sure. I could have confirmed it by saying something hilarious in her direction, to check for that thing when they look at you, unsmilingly, and state very earnestly: “You are very amusing.” However, nothing occurred of a jest to say.
In the end, I embraced the genuine warmth – or a mimicry of sincerity, which amounts to no different – with which she looked directly into my eyes, piercingly, and wished me to have a great day. My spirits lifted. A positive experience.
