To the Cashier Who Left Me Completely Without Words – Kudos to You
The scene was a day of rest, and I found myself grumpy enough, refueling my mum’s car. This was a common fuel stop that operates as a convenience store, so you run the risk of waiting behind people bearing baskets of slightly overpriced groceries. This is a dreadful thing to occur when all you want is to get gasoline and leave. Terrible.
Fourth in line I stood in the queue. A single employee working, a young woman. Something stood out about her. Once the slowpoke at the head of the line had completed payment for his Viakal, his pastry, and his box of eggs, It seemed to me overhearing the cashier tell him to have a great day. Strange. Maybe it was a mistake, or possibly she uttered it and meant it ironically. I pondered if she could even be an ally in my fight against faff, echoing my disdain for those who delay simple fuel-buyers like me.
Advancing next, becoming the third customer. The next shopper of our line discharged her fuel-only transaction with impressive quickness. Again, the phrase came: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” To be precise, it was “have a wonderful day”. An American? Here in Stourbridge? Her tone suggested it, and hardly anyone here wishes anyone such a cheerful phrase, or even just a nice day. Very rare. Rarely does one encounter people from America knocking around Stourbridge, least of all working in petrol stations or anywhere else.
Second in line at last. After an elderly lady engaged in a lengthy struggle with her shopping cart, her food items, her purse and her loyalty card. This took an eternity. When she was done, she as well got told an excellent day. Definitely from the US. Confirming it was possible by cracking a joke to her, to check for that response when they look at you, stoically, and say with absolute sincerity: “That’s really funny.” Yet no idea came of anything hilarious to express.
I just had to settle for the absolute sincerity – or a performance of it, which amounts to the same thing – while she stared directly into my eyes, piercingly, and bid me a wonderful day. My spirits lifted. It was a good thing.
