Addressing the Checkout Assistant That Made Me Completely Wordless – I Salute You
This occurred on a day of rest, and I felt sufficiently irritable, filling up my mum’s car. This was a typical gas station that also functions as a grocery store, so you run the risk of joining a queue people bearing baskets of slightly overpriced groceries. A terrible fate to occur when your only desire is to pay for some fuel. Dreadful.
I was fourth in the waiting line. There was only person serving, a youthful clerk. There was something unusual in her demeanor. Once the slowpoke at the front of the queue had at last settled for a cleaning product, a baked snack, and his box of eggs, I was certain that I heard the cashier tell him an excellent day. Strange. Could be I misunderstood, or perhaps she spoke and was being sarcastic. I pondered if perhaps she was a supporter in my fight against faff, echoing my disdain for individuals slowing down straightforward customers such as myself.
Advancing next, becoming the third customer. The new leader of the queue finished pumping gas with commendable speed. Again, the phrase came: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” To be precise, it was “have a wonderful day”. An American? In Stourbridge? Her tone suggested it, and no British person says to others a wonderful day, or merely a pleasant day. Very rare. It's uncommon to find people from America visiting this town, and definitely not holding jobs in fueling spots or anywhere else.
I was second now. Following a senior shopper dealing with a lengthy struggle with her carryall, her food items, her wallet and her membership pass. The process dragged on. When she was done, she too received the wish a wonderful day. Clearly an American. Confirming it was possible by cracking a joke in her direction, to see if she did that reaction their typical stare, unsmilingly, and state very earnestly: “That’s really funny.” However, nothing occurred of anything hilarious to express.
In the end, I embraced the heartfelt tone – or a mimicry of sincerity, which amounts to identical in effect – while she stared straight at me, deep into my soul, and bid me to have a great day. I felt better for it. A positive experience.
