Addressing the Store Clerk That Left Me Completely Speechless – I Salute You
This occurred on a weekend morning, and I found myself in a foul mood, filling up the family car. It was one of those petrol stations that doubles as a supermarket, which often leads of joining a queue people bearing baskets of somewhat expensive items. A terrible fate to unfold when your only desire is to complete a simple refueling. Awful.
Fourth in line I stood among those waiting. There was only cashier operating, a young woman. A peculiar quality to her presence. Once the slowpoke at the front of the queue had completed payment for his purchases, a baked snack, and a carton of eggs, I was certain I heard the cashier bid 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 might actually be an ally in my fight against faff, sharing my contempt for people who hold up people just getting gas such as myself.
Advancing next, becoming the third customer. The new leader of the queue finished pumping gas with notable efficiency. And there it was again: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” In fact, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. A stateside native? Here in Stourbridge? Her tone suggested it, and hardly anyone here says to others a wonderful day, or even just a nice day. Highly unusual. Rarely does one encounter many Americans visiting this town, least of all employed at gas stations or anywhere else.
Second in line at last. Behind a poor older woman engaged in a protracted effort with her shopping cart, her purchases, her wallet and her loyalty card. The process dragged on. When she was done, she as well got told an excellent day. Yes, American for sure. I might have verified it by making a witty remark in her direction, to see if she did that thing their typical stare, without a smile, and state very earnestly: “That is quite humorous.” However, nothing occurred of a jest to express.
In the end, I embraced the heartfelt tone – or a performance of it, essentially the same as no different – with which she looked directly into my eyes, deep into my soul, and told me an awesome day. It improved my mood. A positive experience.
