To the Checkout Assistant Who Made Me Absolutely Without Words – My Hat's Off to You
The scene was a day of rest, and I found myself in a foul mood, topping off my mum’s car. It was a common fuel stop that also functions as a grocery store, meaning there's a chance of ending up in line customers carrying goods of slightly overpriced groceries. This is a dreadful thing to occur when the sole aim is to complete a simple refueling. Dreadful.
I was fourth in the waiting line. Just one person serving, a female attendant. Something stood out in her demeanor. When the faffer at the first position had at last settled for a cleaning product, a baked snack, and his box of eggs, It seemed to me I heard the cashier bid 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 she might actually be an ally in the war on delays, reflecting my irritation for those who delay simple fuel-buyers like me.
Advancing next, becoming the third customer. The next shopper of the queue finished pumping gas with commendable speed. And there it was again: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” In fact, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. A stateside native? In Stourbridge? Her tone suggested it, and few locals tells people those exact words, or simply a good day. Quite out of place. Rarely does one encounter US citizens knocking around Stourbridge, and definitely not holding jobs in fueling spots or elsewhere.
Now I stood second. Behind a poor older woman dealing with a right old battle with her carryall, her food items, her handbag and her rewards card. It went on for ever. Once completed, she as well received the wish to have a fantastic day. Clearly an American. Confirming it was possible by cracking a joke at the cashier, to observe that reaction when they look at you, stoically, and state very earnestly: “You are very amusing.” But I couldn’t think of a jest to express.
I just had to settle the genuine warmth – or a mimicry of sincerity, that equates to identical in effect – as she gazed straight at me, to my very core, and told me to have a great day. It improved my mood. A positive experience.
