To the Store Clerk That Made Me Totally Wordless – My Hat's Off to You
The scene was a Sunday morning, and I felt sufficiently irritable, refueling the family car. It was a typical gas station that also functions as a grocery store, which often leads of joining a queue shoppers with carts of somewhat expensive items. This is a dreadful thing to unfold when your only desire is to complete a simple refueling. Dreadful.
Fourth in line I stood among those waiting. Just one employee working, a young woman. Something stood out in her demeanor. Once the slowpoke at the first position had completed payment for his purchases, his sausage roll, and his box of eggs, I was certain that I heard the cashier bid him a wonderful day. Odd. Could be I misunderstood, or maybe she did say it and used a mocking tone. The thought crossed my mind if perhaps she was a supporter in my fight against faff, reflecting my irritation for people who hold up simple fuel-buyers like me.
Taking a step forward, now third in line. The person ahead of our group completed her gasoline purchase with notable efficiency. Again, the phrase came: “Have a wonderful day.” In fact, it was “have a wonderful day”. An American? At this location? She had the accent, and few locals wishes anyone a wonderful day, or simply a good day. Very rare. Rarely does one encounter people from America visiting this town, and definitely not working in petrol stations or other places.
I was second now. After an elderly lady embroiled in a lengthy struggle with her carryall, her groceries, her purse and her membership pass. The process dragged on. After she finished, the woman also was wished a wonderful day. Clearly an American. Confirming it was possible by cracking a joke to her, to observe that thing their typical stare, without a smile, and state very earnestly: “That’s really funny.” Yet no idea came of a jest to utter.
I just had to settle the genuine warmth – or a mimicry of sincerity, that equates to identical in effect – with which she looked directly into my eyes, deep into my soul, and bid me to have a great day. I felt better for it. A positive experience.
