To the Store Clerk That Left Me Absolutely Wordless – Kudos to You
The scene was a day of rest, and I felt sufficiently irritable, refueling my mum’s car. This was a common fuel stop that also functions as a grocery store, so you run the risk of ending up in line customers carrying goods of somewhat expensive items. This is a dreadful thing to happen when your only desire is to get gasoline and leave. Dreadful.
Fourth in line I stood in the waiting line. A single employee working, a youthful clerk. Something stood out to her presence. Once the slowpoke at the front of the queue had at last settled for his Viakal, his pastry, and some breakfast items, I was certain that I heard the cashier wish him to have a great day. Odd. Perhaps I’d misheard, or perhaps she spoke and meant it ironically. I pondered if perhaps she was a comrade in my fight against faff, echoing my disdain for people who hold up people just getting gas including me.
Advancing next, to third in the queue. The new leader of the queue completed her gasoline purchase with commendable speed. Once more it happened: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” In fact, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. A stateside native? In Stourbridge? The pronunciation indicated it, and no British person wishes anyone such a cheerful phrase, or simply a good day. Quite out of place. Rarely does one encounter US citizens frequenting this area, least of all holding jobs in fueling spots or other places.
I was second now. Behind a poor older woman embroiled in a lengthy struggle with her shopping cart, her food items, her purse and her membership pass. The process dragged on. After she finished, she too was wished a wonderful day. Clearly an American. I might have verified it by cracking a joke to her, to observe that thing when they look at you, unsmilingly, and say with absolute sincerity: “That’s really funny.” But I couldn’t think of a jest to utter.
In the end, I embraced the heartfelt tone – or an impersonation of it, essentially the same as no different – as she gazed straight at me, deep into my soul, and bid me a wonderful day. It improved my mood. A positive experience.
