For the Checkout Assistant Who Made Me Absolutely Speechless – I Salute You

This occurred on a day of rest, and I felt sufficiently irritable, filling up the family car. This was a common fuel stop that operates as a grocery store, meaning there's a chance of ending up in line customers carrying goods of slightly overpriced groceries. This is a dreadful thing to happen when all you want is to get gasoline and leave. Awful.

Fourth in line I stood in the waiting line. There was only cashier operating, a youthful clerk. A peculiar quality about her. When the faffer at the head of the line had at last settled for his Viakal, a baked snack, and a carton of eggs, I could have sworn that I heard the cashier bid him to have a great day. Unusual. Maybe it was a mistake, or perhaps she spoke and was being sarcastic. I wondered if she might actually be a comrade in my fight against faff, echoing my disdain for those who delay simple fuel-buyers such as myself.

Advancing next, becoming the third customer. The new leader of our line finished pumping gas with impressive quickness. Once more it happened: “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 few locals tells people a wonderful day, or even just a nice day. Highly unusual. Rarely does one encounter US citizens visiting this town, certainly not working in petrol stations or anywhere else.

I was second now. Behind a poor older woman dealing with a lengthy struggle with her shopping cart, her food items, her purse and her rewards card. The process dragged on. When she was done, she too was wished a wonderful day. Yes, American for sure. I could have confirmed it by saying something hilarious in her direction, to check for that response their typical stare, unsmilingly, and state very earnestly: “That’s really funny.” However, nothing occurred of a funny comment to say.

Ultimately, I accepted the genuine warmth – or an impersonation of it, that equates to no different – while she stared straight at me, deep into my soul, and wished me an awesome day. It improved my mood. Beneficial indeed.