To the Checkout Assistant That Made Me Absolutely Wordless – My Hat's Off to You
The scene was a day of rest, and I found myself grumpy enough, topping off my mother's vehicle. This was one of those petrol stations that doubles as a convenience store, so you run the risk of joining a queue shoppers with carts of somewhat expensive items. A terrible fate to unfold when your only desire is to complete a simple refueling. Dreadful.
I was fourth among those waiting. There was only cashier operating, a female attendant. Something stood out in her demeanor. When the faffer at the front of the queue had completed payment for a cleaning product, his pastry, and his box of eggs, It seemed to me overhearing the cashier wish him to have a great day. Strange. Could be I misunderstood, or maybe she did say it and used a mocking tone. I pondered if perhaps she was a supporter in my fight against faff, reflecting my irritation for individuals slowing down straightforward customers such as myself.
Advancing next, to third in the queue. The person ahead of our line discharged her fuel-only transaction with commendable speed. Again, the phrase came: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” To be precise, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. An American? Here in Stourbridge? She had the accent, and no British person says to others those exact words, or simply a good day. Very rare. You don’t get people from America visiting this town, and definitely not working in petrol stations or elsewhere.
Second in line at last. Behind a poor older woman engaged in a right old battle with her basket, her food items, her handbag and her membership pass. This took an eternity. After she finished, the woman also received the wish a wonderful day. Yes, American for sure. Confirming it was possible by saying something hilarious at the cashier, to observe that thing their typical stare, unsmilingly, and say with absolute sincerity: “You are very amusing.” Yet no idea came of a jest to say.
Ultimately, I accepted the genuine warmth – or an impersonation of it, that equates to identical in effect – with which she looked directly into my eyes, deep into my soul, and wished me an awesome day. My spirits lifted. Beneficial indeed.
