Addressing the Cashier Who Left Me Absolutely Without Words – I Salute You
The scene was a Sunday morning, and I was sufficiently irritable, topping off my mum’s car. The location was one of those petrol stations that doubles as a grocery store, so you run the risk of ending up in line shoppers with carts of somewhat expensive items. It's an awful situation to happen when your only desire is to get gasoline and leave. Awful.
I was fourth among those waiting. There was only cashier operating, a youthful clerk. A peculiar quality in her demeanor. After the ditherer at the front of the queue had completed payment for his Viakal, a baked snack, and some breakfast items, It seemed to me I heard the cashier bid him an excellent day. Odd. Could be I misunderstood, or maybe she did say it and used a mocking tone. The thought crossed my mind if she could even be a comrade in my battle with dithering, echoing my disdain for individuals slowing down people just getting gas like me.
Taking a step forward, now third in line. The next shopper of our line completed her gasoline purchase with commendable speed. Again, the phrase came: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” To be precise, it was “have a wonderful day”. Someone from the US? At this location? She had the accent, and no British person says to others those exact words, or even just a nice day. Very rare. It's uncommon to find many Americans knocking around Stourbridge, least of all employed at gas stations or elsewhere.
Second in line at last. After an elderly lady engaged in a lengthy struggle with her carryall, her groceries, her purse and her rewards card. The process dragged on. After she finished, she as well got told an excellent day. Clearly an American. I might have verified it by cracking a joke in her direction, to see if she did that reaction as they gaze at you, unsmilingly, and say with absolute sincerity: “You are very amusing.” However, nothing occurred of a funny comment to say.
Ultimately, I accepted the genuine warmth – or an impersonation of it, which amounts to identical in effect – while she stared directly into my eyes, piercingly, and wished me an awesome day. My spirits lifted. It was a good thing.
