To the Store Clerk That Made Me Absolutely Without Words – I Salute You
It was a Sunday morning, and I found myself sufficiently irritable, filling up my mother's vehicle. This was a typical gas station that operates as a supermarket, so you run the risk of ending up in line people bearing baskets of pricey provisions. This is a dreadful thing to happen when the sole aim is to pay for some fuel. Terrible.
I was fourth in the queue. There was only cashier operating, a youthful clerk. A peculiar quality in her demeanor. Once the slowpoke at the head of the line had finally paid for his purchases, a baked snack, and a carton of eggs, I could have sworn overhearing the cashier tell him to have a great day. Odd. Could be I misunderstood, or possibly she uttered it and used a mocking tone. I wondered if she could even be a supporter in my fight against faff, echoing my disdain for people who hold up simple fuel-buyers such as myself.
Taking a step forward, to third in the queue. The next shopper of our line finished pumping gas with commendable speed. Again, the phrase came: “Have a wonderful day.” To be precise, it was “have a wonderful day”. A stateside native? Here in Stourbridge? Her tone suggested it, and no British person says to others such a cheerful phrase, or merely a pleasant day. Quite out of place. It's uncommon to find US citizens knocking around Stourbridge, certainly not holding jobs in fueling spots or anywhere else.
Second in line at last. Following a senior shopper dealing with a lengthy struggle with her basket, her purchases, her purse and her rewards card. The process dragged on. After she finished, she as well received the wish to have a fantastic day. Definitely from the US. I could have confirmed it by making a witty remark in her direction, to observe that thing as they gaze at you, stoically, and state very earnestly: “That is quite humorous.” However, nothing occurred of anything hilarious to say.
I just had to settle for the absolute sincerity – or an impersonation of it, which amounts to the same thing – while she stared me right in the eye, to my very core, and bid me a wonderful day. My spirits lifted. It was a good thing.
