To the Store Clerk Who Left Me Absolutely Wordless – I Salute You
This occurred on a day of rest, and I found myself in a foul mood, topping off my mother's vehicle. It was a common fuel stop that doubles as a grocery store, meaning there's a chance of joining a queue customers carrying goods of slightly overpriced groceries. It's an awful situation to happen when all you want is to get gasoline and leave. Terrible.
I was fourth in the waiting line. There was only cashier operating, a youthful clerk. Something stood out in her demeanor. Once the slowpoke at the front of the queue had finally paid for his purchases, his sausage roll, and a carton of eggs, I was certain that I heard the cashier bid him an excellent day. Odd. Could be I misunderstood, or perhaps she spoke and meant it ironically. I pondered if perhaps she was a comrade in the war on delays, reflecting my irritation for individuals slowing down people just getting gas such as myself.
I moved up, becoming the third customer. The next shopper of the queue completed her gasoline purchase with notable efficiency. Again, the phrase came: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” To be precise, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. Someone from the US? In Stourbridge? Her tone suggested it, and hardly anyone here wishes anyone such a cheerful phrase, or even just a nice day. Very rare. Rarely does one encounter people from America visiting this town, and definitely not employed at gas stations or other places.
Now I stood second. After an elderly lady dealing with a lengthy struggle with her carryall, her food items, her handbag and her membership pass. The process dragged on. When she was done, she as well got told an excellent day. Clearly an American. I could have confirmed it by making a witty remark in her direction, to observe that response when they look at you, without a smile, and reply with genuine earnest: “That is quite humorous.” Yet no idea came of a jest to say.
Ultimately, I accepted for the absolute sincerity – or an impersonation of it, that equates to no different – with which she looked directly into my eyes, to my very core, and told me an awesome day. My spirits lifted. Beneficial indeed.
