For the Store Clerk Who Left Me Absolutely Wordless – I Salute You
This occurred on a day of rest, and I found myself sufficiently irritable, filling up my mum’s car. This was a common fuel stop that doubles as a grocery store, which often leads of joining a queue customers carrying goods of pricey provisions. This is a dreadful thing to occur when the sole aim is to complete a simple refueling. Dreadful.
Fourth in line I stood in the queue. There was only person serving, a youthful clerk. A peculiar quality in her demeanor. When the faffer at the front of the queue had finally paid for his Viakal, a baked snack, and his box of eggs, I was certain that I heard the cashier wish him an excellent day. Unusual. Perhaps I’d misheard, or possibly she uttered it and was being sarcastic. I pondered if she might actually be an ally in the war on delays, echoing my disdain for people who hold up straightforward customers such as myself.
I moved up, now third in line. The person ahead of our group discharged her fuel-only transaction with notable efficiency. Once more it happened: “Have a wonderful day.” To be precise, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. An American? At this location? The pronunciation indicated it, and few locals says to others a wonderful day, or simply a good day. Very rare. It's uncommon to find many Americans knocking around Stourbridge, least of all holding jobs in fueling spots or elsewhere.
I was second now. Following a senior shopper engaged in a protracted effort with her basket, her purchases, her purse and her membership pass. This took an eternity. After she finished, the woman also was wished a wonderful day. Yes, American for sure. Confirming it was possible by saying something hilarious in her direction, to see if she did that thing their typical stare, unsmilingly, and state very earnestly: “That is quite humorous.” However, nothing occurred of a jest to utter.
In the end, I embraced the genuine warmth – or an impersonation of it, that equates to no different – while she stared straight at me, to my very core, and wished me to have a great day. I felt better for it. A positive experience.
