For the Store Clerk That Left Me Totally Speechless – I Salute You
The scene was a weekend morning, and I found myself grumpy enough, filling up the family car. It was one of those petrol stations that doubles as a grocery store, so you run the risk of ending up in line people bearing baskets of pricey provisions. A terrible fate to occur when all you want is to pay for some fuel. Awful.
Fourth in line I stood among those waiting. Just one person serving, a youthful clerk. There was something unusual in her demeanor. Once the slowpoke at the front of the queue had finally paid for a cleaning product, a baked snack, and some breakfast items, I was certain I heard the cashier tell him a wonderful day. Strange. Maybe it was a mistake, or maybe she did say it and meant it ironically. The thought crossed my mind if perhaps she was a supporter in my battle with dithering, echoing my disdain for people who hold up people just getting gas such as myself.
Taking a step forward, to third in the queue. The new leader of our group finished pumping gas with impressive quickness. And there it was again: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” In fact, it was “have a wonderful day”. Someone from the US? At this location? The pronunciation indicated it, and hardly anyone here says to others such a cheerful phrase, or simply a good day. Quite out of place. You don’t get US citizens knocking around Stourbridge, and definitely not working in petrol stations or other places.
I was second now. After an elderly lady embroiled in a right old battle with her basket, her groceries, her wallet and her rewards card. The process dragged on. Once completed, the woman also got told to have a fantastic day. Yes, American for sure. Confirming it was possible by cracking a joke to her, to check for that reaction when they look at you, without a smile, and reply with genuine earnest: “That is quite humorous.” However, nothing occurred of anything hilarious to utter.
Ultimately, I accepted the heartfelt tone – or a mimicry of sincerity, essentially the same as no different – while she stared straight at me, to my very core, and told me an awesome day. My spirits lifted. A positive experience.
