To the Store Clerk Who Made Me Absolutely Without Words – My Hat's Off to You
The scene was a day of rest, and I felt in a foul mood, refueling my mother's vehicle. This was one of those petrol stations that also functions as a grocery store, so you run the risk of waiting behind customers carrying goods of slightly overpriced groceries. A terrible fate to unfold when the sole aim is to complete a simple refueling. Terrible.
Fourth in line I stood in the waiting line. There was only employee working, a youthful clerk. There was something unusual in her demeanor. When the faffer at the first position had completed payment for his purchases, his sausage roll, and a carton of eggs, I could have sworn that I heard the cashier tell him to have a great day. Odd. Perhaps I’d misheard, or possibly she uttered it and meant it ironically. I wondered if she might actually be an ally in my battle with dithering, reflecting my irritation for those who delay people just getting gas such as myself.
Taking a step forward, becoming the third customer. The next shopper of our group finished pumping gas with notable efficiency. And there it was again: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” To be precise, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. A stateside native? In Stourbridge? The pronunciation indicated it, and hardly anyone here says to others a wonderful day, or merely a pleasant day. Highly unusual. It's uncommon to find many Americans visiting this town, least of all working in petrol stations or anywhere else.
I was second now. Following a senior shopper embroiled in a lengthy struggle with her carryall, her groceries, her handbag and her loyalty card. This took an eternity. When she was done, she too received the wish an excellent day. Yes, American for sure. I might have verified it by saying something hilarious in her direction, to see if she did that response as they gaze at you, stoically, and say with absolute sincerity: “That’s really funny.” But I couldn’t think of a funny comment to express.
Ultimately, I accepted the genuine warmth – or a performance of it, essentially the same as identical in effect – with which she looked straight at me, piercingly, and told me a wonderful day. My spirits lifted. A positive experience.
