To the Checkout Assistant Who Left Me Absolutely Without Words – I Salute You
This occurred on a Sunday morning, and I felt in a foul mood, refueling my mother's vehicle. The location was a typical gas station that operates as a grocery store, which often leads of ending up in line people bearing baskets of slightly overpriced groceries. A terrible fate to happen when the sole aim is to pay for some fuel. Dreadful.
Fourth in line I stood in the waiting line. There was only employee working, a young woman. Something stood out in her demeanor. After the ditherer at the first position had at last settled for a cleaning product, his pastry, and a carton of eggs, I could have sworn that I heard the cashier bid him an excellent day. Unusual. Maybe it was a mistake, or maybe she did say it and meant it ironically. The thought crossed my mind if she might actually be a supporter in my battle with dithering, reflecting my irritation for individuals slowing down people just getting gas including me.
Taking a step forward, to third in the queue. The new leader of our line completed her gasoline purchase with impressive quickness. And there it was again: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” To be precise, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. A stateside native? In Stourbridge? She had the accent, and no British person tells people a wonderful day, or even just a nice day. Very rare. You don’t get US citizens knocking around Stourbridge, certainly not holding jobs in fueling spots or anywhere else.
Second in line at last. Behind a poor older woman embroiled in a protracted effort with her basket, her food items, her handbag and her membership pass. It went on for ever. When she was done, she as well got told to have a fantastic day. Yes, American for sure. I could have confirmed it by saying something hilarious to her, to see if she did that response their typical stare, without a smile, and say with absolute sincerity: “That is quite humorous.” But I couldn’t think of anything hilarious to utter.
In the end, I embraced for the absolute sincerity – or a mimicry of sincerity, which amounts to no different – as she gazed me right in the eye, piercingly, and told me to have a great day. My spirits lifted. A positive experience.
