To the Store Clerk Who Made Me Totally Without Words – I Salute You
The scene was a Sunday morning, and I felt sufficiently irritable, filling up my mum’s car. The location was a common fuel stop that operates as a supermarket, meaning there's a chance of joining a queue people bearing baskets of somewhat expensive items. It's an awful situation to happen when your only desire is to get gasoline and leave. Terrible.
Fourth in line I stood in the waiting line. A single person serving, a young woman. There was something unusual about her. After the ditherer at the front of the queue had completed payment for his Viakal, his pastry, and a carton of eggs, It seemed to me overhearing the cashier bid him an excellent day. Odd. Could be I misunderstood, or possibly she uttered it and meant it ironically. I wondered if she could even be an ally in the war on delays, sharing my contempt for individuals slowing down people just getting gas like me.
I moved up, becoming the third customer. The person ahead of our group discharged her fuel-only transaction with impressive quickness. And there it was again: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” In fact, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. An American? Here in Stourbridge? The pronunciation indicated it, and few locals wishes anyone those exact words, or simply a good day. Very rare. It's uncommon to find US citizens visiting this town, least of all employed at gas stations or anywhere else.
Now I stood second. After an elderly lady dealing with a protracted effort with her basket, her purchases, her purse and her loyalty card. The process dragged on. Once completed, she too received the wish a wonderful day. Yes, American for sure. I could have confirmed it by making a witty remark to her, to observe that thing when they look at you, unsmilingly, and say with absolute sincerity: “You are very amusing.” But I couldn’t think of a jest to say.
In the end, I embraced for the absolute sincerity – or an impersonation of it, which amounts to identical in effect – as she gazed straight at me, piercingly, and wished me a wonderful day. It improved my mood. It was a good thing.