To the Cashier Who Made Me Absolutely Speechless – I Salute You
The scene was a Sunday morning, and I was in a foul mood, filling up my mum’s car. This was a common fuel stop that also functions as a grocery store, which often leads of joining a queue people bearing baskets of somewhat expensive items. A terrible fate to unfold when your only desire is to get gasoline and leave. Dreadful.
My position was fourth in the waiting line. There was only person serving, a young woman. There was something unusual about her. After the ditherer at the front of the queue had completed payment for his purchases, a baked snack, and a carton of eggs, I was certain overhearing the cashier tell him a wonderful day. Odd. Perhaps I’d misheard, or possibly she uttered it and was being sarcastic. I pondered if she might actually be a comrade in the war on delays, sharing my contempt for those who delay simple fuel-buyers including me.
Advancing next, now third in line. The next shopper of our line completed her gasoline purchase with impressive quickness. Again, the phrase came: “Have a wonderful day.” To be precise, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. An American? In Stourbridge? The pronunciation indicated it, and few locals wishes anyone a wonderful day, or even just a nice day. Highly unusual. You don’t get US citizens knocking around Stourbridge, certainly not employed at gas stations or elsewhere.
I was second now. Following a senior shopper embroiled in a right old battle with her carryall, her food items, her wallet and her membership pass. It went on for ever. After she finished, she as well received the wish to have a fantastic day. Clearly an American. Confirming it was possible by saying something hilarious to her, to observe that reaction when they look at you, without a smile, and state very earnestly: “You are very amusing.” However, nothing occurred of a jest to express.
Ultimately, I accepted the heartfelt tone – or a mimicry of sincerity, that equates to identical in effect – while she stared straight at me, to my very core, and told me a wonderful day. My spirits lifted. A positive experience.
