To the Checkout Assistant That Made Me Absolutely Wordless – I Salute You
The scene was a Sunday morning, and I was grumpy enough, refueling my mother's vehicle. This was one of those petrol stations that also functions as a grocery store, meaning there's a chance of waiting behind shoppers with carts of pricey provisions. It's an awful situation to unfold when your only desire is to get gasoline and leave. Awful.
I was fourth among those waiting. A single cashier operating, a youthful clerk. A peculiar quality about her. After the ditherer at the head of the line had completed payment for his purchases, his sausage roll, and a carton of eggs, I was certain I heard the cashier tell him a wonderful day. Unusual. Maybe it was a mistake, or maybe she did say it and meant it ironically. The thought crossed my mind if she could even be an ally in my fight against faff, echoing my disdain for individuals slowing down simple fuel-buyers including me.
I moved up, now third in line. The new leader of the queue finished pumping gas with notable efficiency. And there it was again: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” To be precise, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. Someone from the US? At this location? She had the accent, and hardly anyone here wishes anyone such a cheerful phrase, or even just a nice day. Very rare. Rarely does one encounter people from America frequenting this area, least of all employed at gas stations or other places.
Now I stood second. Behind a poor older woman embroiled in a lengthy struggle with her shopping cart, her food items, her handbag and her rewards card. The process dragged on. Once completed, the woman also was wished a wonderful day. Definitely from the US. I might have verified it by cracking a joke at the cashier, to check for that thing when they look at you, stoically, and say with absolute sincerity: “You are very amusing.” But I couldn’t think of a jest to express.
In the end, I embraced the genuine warmth – or an impersonation of it, essentially the same as identical in effect – as she gazed straight at me, deep into my soul, and bid me to have a great day. I felt better for it. A positive experience.
