For the Checkout Assistant Who Made Me Completely Speechless – Kudos to You
The scene was a weekend morning, and I was in a foul mood, filling up the family car. The location was one of those petrol stations that operates as a grocery store, so you run the risk of joining a queue customers carrying goods of slightly overpriced groceries. This is a dreadful thing to occur when all you want is to get gasoline and leave. Dreadful.
I was fourth among those waiting. A single person serving, a youthful clerk. Something stood out in her demeanor. After the ditherer at the first position had finally paid for his Viakal, his pastry, and some breakfast items, I could have sworn that I heard the cashier bid him an excellent day. Unusual. Perhaps I’d misheard, or perhaps she spoke and used a mocking tone. The thought crossed my mind if she might actually be a supporter in my battle with dithering, echoing my disdain for individuals slowing down people just getting gas including me.
I moved up, now third in line. The person ahead of our line completed her gasoline purchase with commendable speed. Once more it happened: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” No, actually, it was “have a wonderful day”. A stateside native? In Stourbridge? Her tone suggested it, and few locals tells people such a cheerful phrase, or even just a nice day. Highly unusual. Rarely does one encounter people from America visiting this town, and definitely not holding jobs in fueling spots or other places.
Now I stood second. After an elderly lady dealing with a protracted effort with her basket, her food items, her handbag and her rewards card. It went on for ever. After she finished, she too received the wish to have a fantastic day. Definitely from the US. I could have confirmed it by making a witty remark at the cashier, to check for that reaction as they gaze at you, stoically, and reply with genuine earnest: “That is quite humorous.” But I couldn’t think of a funny comment to say.
I just had to settle the heartfelt tone – or a performance of it, essentially the same as identical in effect – while she stared me right in the eye, to my very core, and wished me an awesome day. I felt better for it. Beneficial indeed.
