To the Checkout Assistant That Left Me Completely Without Words – My Hat's Off to You
The scene was a day of rest, and I found myself in a foul mood, topping off my mother's vehicle. The location was a common fuel stop that operates as a convenience store, meaning there's a chance of ending up in line customers carrying goods of slightly overpriced groceries. This is a dreadful thing to happen when the sole aim is to pay for some fuel. Terrible.
Fourth in line I stood in the queue. Just one person serving, a young woman. A peculiar quality in her demeanor. When the faffer at the head of the line had completed payment for a cleaning product, his pastry, and his box of eggs, I was certain that I heard the cashier wish him a wonderful day. Odd. Maybe it was a mistake, or perhaps she spoke and used a mocking tone. I pondered if perhaps she was an ally in my battle with dithering, reflecting my irritation for people who hold up people just getting gas including me.
I moved up, to third in the queue. The next shopper of the queue discharged her fuel-only transaction with impressive quickness. Once more it happened: “Have a wonderful day.” In fact, it was “have a wonderful day”. Someone from the US? At this location? The pronunciation indicated it, and few locals says to others such a cheerful phrase, or merely a pleasant day. Quite out of place. Rarely does one encounter many Americans visiting this town, least of all working in petrol stations or elsewhere.
Second in line at last. Behind a poor older woman dealing with a lengthy struggle with her basket, her groceries, her purse and her membership pass. It went on for ever. Once completed, she too was wished a wonderful day. Definitely from the US. I might have verified it by saying something hilarious to her, to see if she did that thing as they gaze at you, without a smile, and say with absolute sincerity: “You are very amusing.” But I couldn’t think of a funny comment to express.
In the end, I embraced the heartfelt tone – or a mimicry of sincerity, that equates to no different – with which she looked me right in the eye, piercingly, and told me a wonderful day. My spirits lifted. It was a good thing.
