Addressing the Store Clerk That Made Me Completely Without Words – I Salute You
This occurred on a weekend morning, and I was sufficiently irritable, filling up my mother's vehicle. This was a common fuel stop that also functions as a convenience store, so you run the risk of waiting behind shoppers with carts of pricey provisions. A terrible fate to unfold when all you want is to pay for some fuel. Terrible.
My position was fourth in the queue. Just one cashier operating, a youthful clerk. There was something unusual to her presence. When the faffer at the first position had at last settled for a cleaning product, his sausage roll, and some breakfast items, I was certain overhearing the cashier wish him a wonderful day. Unusual. Perhaps I’d misheard, or maybe she did say it and used a mocking tone. I wondered if she could even be a supporter in the war on delays, sharing my contempt for those who delay straightforward customers including me.
Advancing next, to third in the queue. The person ahead of the queue finished pumping gas with notable efficiency. Once more it happened: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” To be precise, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. A stateside native? In Stourbridge? Her tone suggested it, and hardly anyone here tells people such a cheerful phrase, or simply a good day. Very rare. Rarely does one encounter many Americans knocking around Stourbridge, and definitely not employed at gas stations or elsewhere.
Now I stood second. After an elderly lady embroiled in a protracted effort with her basket, her purchases, her wallet and her membership pass. The process dragged on. Once completed, she as well received the wish a wonderful day. Clearly an American. Confirming it was possible by saying something hilarious in her direction, to see if she did that reaction as they gaze at you, stoically, and reply with genuine earnest: “That’s really funny.” However, nothing occurred of anything hilarious to express.
I just had to settle the heartfelt tone – or a performance of it, which amounts to identical in effect – while she stared directly into my eyes, piercingly, and told me to have a great day. My spirits lifted. It was a good thing.
