To the Store Clerk That Left Me Completely Wordless – I Salute You
The scene was a day of rest, and I was grumpy enough, refueling my mum’s car. The location was a typical gas station that doubles as a convenience store, meaning there's a chance of waiting behind customers carrying goods of slightly overpriced groceries. It's an awful situation to occur when your only desire is to pay for some fuel. Awful.
I was fourth in the waiting line. Just one person serving, a young woman. Something stood out about her. After the ditherer at the head of the line had finally paid for a cleaning product, a baked snack, and some breakfast items, I could have sworn I heard the cashier tell him to have a great day. Unusual. Maybe it was a mistake, or maybe she did say it and was being sarcastic. I pondered if she might actually be a supporter in my battle with dithering, sharing my contempt for people who hold up simple fuel-buyers like me.
I moved up, becoming the third customer. The next shopper of our group discharged her fuel-only transaction with notable efficiency. Once more it happened: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” In fact, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. A stateside native? At this location? Her tone suggested it, and few locals tells people a wonderful day, or simply a good day. Quite out of place. You don’t get people from America frequenting this area, least of all employed at gas stations or anywhere else.
Second in line at last. Behind a poor older woman dealing with a right old battle with her basket, her food items, her purse and her rewards card. It went on for ever. After she finished, she too received the wish to have a fantastic day. Clearly an American. I could have confirmed it by saying something hilarious at the cashier, to see if she did that response their typical stare, stoically, and reply with genuine earnest: “You are very amusing.” However, nothing occurred of anything hilarious to express.
I just had to settle for the absolute sincerity – or an impersonation of it, that equates to the same thing – as she gazed me right in the eye, deep into my soul, and wished me an awesome day. I felt better for it. Beneficial indeed.
