For the Cashier That Left Me Totally Without Words – Kudos to You
It was a day of rest, and I was in a foul mood, topping off the family car. The location was a common fuel stop that operates as a convenience store, which often leads of ending up in line people bearing baskets of slightly overpriced groceries. A terrible fate to unfold when all you want is to get gasoline and leave. Awful.
My position was fourth in the waiting line. There was only cashier operating, a female attendant. A peculiar quality in her demeanor. When the faffer at the first position had finally paid for his Viakal, his sausage roll, and his box of eggs, I was certain I heard the cashier wish him a wonderful day. Strange. Could be I misunderstood, or possibly she uttered it and meant it ironically. I pondered if perhaps she was a comrade in my battle with dithering, reflecting my irritation for individuals slowing down straightforward customers such as myself.
Taking a step forward, becoming the third customer. The next shopper of our line finished pumping gas with commendable speed. Again, the phrase came: “Have a wonderful day.” No, actually, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. A stateside native? In Stourbridge? The pronunciation indicated it, and few locals says to others those exact words, or even just a nice day. Very rare. It's uncommon to find people from America frequenting this area, certainly not employed at gas stations or elsewhere.
I was second now. Following a senior shopper dealing with a lengthy struggle with her basket, her groceries, her wallet and her rewards card. It went on for ever. Once completed, she as well received the wish a wonderful day. Clearly an American. Confirming it was possible by saying something hilarious in her direction, to observe that reaction their typical stare, without a smile, and reply with genuine earnest: “That’s really funny.” Yet no idea came of anything hilarious to say.
Ultimately, I accepted the heartfelt tone – or a performance of it, that equates to the same thing – with which she looked straight at me, to my very core, and wished me an awesome day. I felt better for it. Beneficial indeed.
