To the Cashier Who Made Me Absolutely Wordless – I Salute You
This occurred on a day of rest, and I felt sufficiently irritable, topping off the family car. The location was one of those petrol stations that also functions as a supermarket, meaning there's a chance of waiting behind customers carrying goods of slightly overpriced groceries. It's an awful situation to occur when all you want is to get gasoline and leave. Terrible.
Fourth in line I stood among those waiting. Just one employee working, a young woman. A peculiar quality in her demeanor. Once the slowpoke at the first position had completed payment for his purchases, a baked snack, and some breakfast items, I was certain that I heard the cashier wish him a wonderful day. Odd. Could be I misunderstood, or possibly she uttered it and meant it ironically. The thought crossed my mind if she might actually be a comrade in the war on delays, reflecting my irritation for those who delay straightforward customers such as myself.
Taking a step forward, now third in line. The next shopper of our group discharged her fuel-only transaction with impressive quickness. Again, the phrase came: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” No, actually, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. An American? Here in Stourbridge? Her tone suggested it, and few locals tells people such a cheerful phrase, or simply a good day. Highly unusual. Rarely does one encounter people from America frequenting this area, certainly not working in petrol stations or anywhere else.
Second in line at last. After an elderly lady embroiled in a protracted effort with her shopping cart, her groceries, her purse and her membership pass. The process dragged on. When she was done, the woman also was wished to have a fantastic day. Yes, American for sure. I might have verified it by cracking a joke to her, to check for that response their typical stare, without a smile, and reply with genuine earnest: “You are very amusing.” However, nothing occurred of a jest to express.
I just had to settle for the absolute sincerity – or a mimicry of sincerity, essentially the same as identical in effect – while she stared me right in the eye, to my very core, and bid me an awesome day. I felt better for it. It was a good thing.
