Addressing the Cashier Who Made Me Absolutely Without Words – My Hat's Off to You
This occurred on a day of rest, and I felt grumpy enough, topping off the family car. This was a typical gas station that operates as a supermarket, meaning there's a chance of joining a queue shoppers with carts of slightly overpriced groceries. It's an awful situation to happen when the sole aim is to get gasoline and leave. Dreadful.
Fourth in line I stood in the waiting line. A single person serving, a young woman. There was something unusual about her. Once the slowpoke at the first position had finally paid for his purchases, a baked snack, and his box of eggs, I could have sworn I heard the cashier bid him an excellent day. Odd. Perhaps I’d misheard, or possibly she uttered it and used a mocking tone. I pondered if she might actually be a supporter in my fight against faff, reflecting my irritation for those who delay people just getting gas like me.
Taking a step forward, now third in line. The new leader of our group completed her gasoline purchase with impressive quickness. Once more it happened: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” In fact, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. An American? Here in Stourbridge? Her tone suggested it, and hardly anyone here wishes anyone such a cheerful phrase, or simply a good day. Quite out of place. You don’t get US citizens visiting this town, and definitely not working in petrol stations or other places.
I was second now. Following a senior shopper embroiled in a right old battle with her carryall, her food items, her handbag and her rewards card. It went on for ever. After she finished, she as well was wished to have a fantastic day. Definitely from the US. Confirming it was possible by cracking a joke at the cashier, to see if she did that response their typical stare, stoically, and state very earnestly: “You are very amusing.” But I couldn’t think of a jest to express.
In the end, I embraced for the absolute sincerity – or a performance of it, which amounts to the same thing – as she gazed directly into my eyes, deep into my soul, and bid me an awesome day. My spirits lifted. A positive experience.
