For the Store Clerk That Made Me Completely Wordless – My Hat's Off to You
It was a day of rest, and I was in a foul mood, refueling my mum’s car. It was a typical gas station that also functions as a convenience store, which often leads of ending up in line customers carrying goods of pricey provisions. This is a dreadful thing to unfold when your only desire is to pay for some fuel. Awful.
My position was fourth in the waiting line. Just one employee working, a female attendant. A peculiar quality in her demeanor. Once the slowpoke at the front of the queue had at last settled for his purchases, a baked snack, and some breakfast items, It seemed to me I heard the cashier bid him a wonderful day. Odd. Could be I misunderstood, or perhaps she spoke and used a mocking tone. I wondered if she could even be a comrade in the war on delays, reflecting my irritation for people who hold up straightforward customers such as myself.
I moved up, becoming the third customer. The new leader of our group completed her gasoline purchase with notable efficiency. Again, the phrase came: “Have a wonderful day.” In fact, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. An American? Here in Stourbridge? The pronunciation indicated it, and no British person tells people such a cheerful phrase, or even just a nice day. Highly unusual. Rarely does one encounter many Americans knocking around Stourbridge, least of all employed at gas stations or anywhere else.
Now I stood second. Behind a poor older woman embroiled in a protracted effort with her carryall, her purchases, her handbag and her rewards card. It went on for ever. When she was done, the woman also received the wish a wonderful day. Yes, American for sure. I could have confirmed it by saying something hilarious at the cashier, to see if she did that reaction when they look at you, stoically, and reply with genuine earnest: “That’s really funny.” However, nothing occurred of a jest to express.
Ultimately, I accepted the heartfelt tone – or an impersonation of it, that equates to the same thing – while she stared me right in the eye, to my very core, and bid me to have a great day. I felt better for it. A positive experience.
