For the Checkout Assistant That Left Me Absolutely Without Words – I Salute You
The scene was a Sunday morning, and I was grumpy enough, refueling my mum’s car. The location was one of those petrol stations that doubles as a supermarket, so you run the risk of waiting behind people bearing baskets of pricey provisions. A terrible fate to unfold when all you want is to get gasoline and leave. Awful.
I was fourth among those waiting. Just one cashier operating, a youthful clerk. There was something unusual in her demeanor. Once the slowpoke at the head of the line had finally paid for his Viakal, his pastry, and a carton of eggs, It seemed to me that I heard the cashier wish him a wonderful day. Odd. Maybe it was a mistake, or perhaps she spoke and used a mocking tone. The thought crossed my mind if perhaps she was a comrade in my fight against faff, echoing my disdain for individuals slowing down simple fuel-buyers such as myself.
Taking a step forward, now third in line. The new leader of our line completed her gasoline purchase with commendable speed. Again, the phrase came: “Have a wonderful day.” No, actually, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. Someone from the US? In Stourbridge? Her tone suggested it, and no British person wishes anyone those exact words, or merely a pleasant day. Very rare. You don’t get many Americans knocking around Stourbridge, and definitely not employed at gas stations or elsewhere.
I was second now. After an elderly lady dealing with a protracted effort with her carryall, her groceries, her purse and her membership pass. The process dragged on. Once completed, she too was wished an excellent day. Definitely from the US. I could have confirmed it by cracking a joke in her direction, to observe that response when they look at you, unsmilingly, and reply with genuine earnest: “That is quite humorous.” Yet no idea came of anything hilarious to utter.
Ultimately, I accepted the genuine warmth – or an impersonation of it, which amounts to identical in effect – as she gazed me right in the eye, to my very core, and wished me to have a great day. It improved my mood. It was a good thing.
