To the Cashier Who Left Me Totally Speechless – Kudos to You
It was a day of rest, and I found myself in a foul mood, refueling my mother's vehicle. It was one of those petrol stations that operates as a supermarket, which often leads of joining a queue people bearing baskets of somewhat expensive items. This is a dreadful thing to happen when your only desire is to pay for some fuel. Terrible.
My position was fourth in the waiting line. There was only employee working, a young woman. A peculiar quality to her presence. Once the slowpoke at the first position had completed payment for his Viakal, his sausage roll, and his box of eggs, I could have sworn overhearing the cashier bid him to have a great day. Strange. Perhaps I’d misheard, or perhaps she spoke and meant it ironically. I wondered if perhaps she was a comrade in my battle with dithering, reflecting my irritation for people who hold up straightforward customers like me.
Taking a step forward, now third in line. The next shopper of our group finished pumping gas with notable efficiency. Again, the phrase came: “Have a wonderful day.” In fact, it was “have a wonderful day”. An American? Here in Stourbridge? The pronunciation indicated it, and few locals tells people a wonderful day, or simply a good day. Quite out of place. You don’t get many Americans frequenting this area, and definitely not holding jobs in fueling spots or other places.
Second in line at last. After an elderly lady embroiled in a lengthy struggle with her basket, her purchases, her handbag and her rewards card. It went on for ever. When she was done, she too was wished to have a fantastic day. Yes, American for sure. I could have confirmed it by cracking a joke to her, to check for that response when they look at you, without a smile, and state very earnestly: “That’s really funny.” Yet no idea came of a funny comment to say.
I just had to settle for the absolute sincerity – or a mimicry of sincerity, essentially the same as the same thing – with which she looked straight at me, piercingly, and wished me to have a great day. My spirits lifted. It was a good thing.
