For the Checkout Assistant That Left Me Totally Wordless – My Hat's Off to You
The scene was a weekend morning, and I found myself sufficiently irritable, topping off my mum’s car. It was one of those petrol stations that also functions as a supermarket, which often leads of joining a queue people bearing baskets of somewhat expensive items. It's an awful situation to unfold when the sole aim is to pay for some fuel. Terrible.
My position was fourth in the queue. There was only employee working, a young woman. Something stood out in her demeanor. When the faffer at the head of the line had at last settled for his purchases, a baked snack, and his box of eggs, I was certain I heard the cashier tell him an excellent day. Unusual. Perhaps I’d misheard, or maybe she did say it and used a mocking tone. I pondered if she could even be a comrade in my battle with dithering, echoing my disdain for individuals slowing down simple fuel-buyers like me.
Advancing next, now third in line. The next shopper of the queue finished pumping gas with notable efficiency. Once more it happened: “Have a wonderful day.” To be precise, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. An American? Here in Stourbridge? Her tone suggested it, and few locals says to others such a cheerful phrase, or simply a good day. Highly unusual. Rarely does one encounter US citizens frequenting this area, and definitely not employed at gas stations or elsewhere.
Now I stood second. After an elderly lady embroiled in a right old battle with her carryall, her groceries, her wallet and her rewards card. The process dragged on. Once completed, she as well was wished a wonderful day. Yes, American for sure. I might have verified it by making a witty remark to her, to check for that response when they look at you, without a smile, and say with absolute sincerity: “You are very amusing.” Yet no idea came of a funny comment to utter.
I just had to settle the heartfelt tone – or an impersonation of it, which amounts to identical in effect – as she gazed straight at me, to my very core, and told me an awesome day. My spirits lifted. It was a good thing.
