For the Checkout Assistant That Left Me Completely Wordless – My Hat's Off to You
It was a day of rest, and I felt in a foul mood, topping off my mum’s car. It was one of those petrol stations that operates as a grocery store, meaning there's a chance of ending up in line shoppers with carts of pricey provisions. A terrible fate to happen when your only desire is to get gasoline and leave. Terrible.
Fourth in line I stood in the queue. A single person serving, a young woman. Something stood out about her. When the faffer at the head of the line had at last settled for a cleaning product, a baked snack, and a carton of eggs, It seemed to me overhearing the cashier tell him a wonderful day. Strange. Could be I misunderstood, or maybe she did say it and meant it ironically. The thought crossed my mind if perhaps she was a comrade in the war on delays, echoing my disdain for individuals slowing down straightforward customers like me.
Advancing next, becoming the third customer. The new leader of the queue completed her gasoline purchase with commendable speed. And there it was again: “Have a wonderful day.” No, actually, it was “have a wonderful day”. Someone from the US? Here in Stourbridge? She had the accent, and hardly anyone here tells people such a cheerful phrase, or simply a good day. Very rare. You don’t get US citizens knocking around Stourbridge, least of all 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 purchases, her purse and her loyalty card. The process dragged on. When she was done, she as well was wished an excellent day. Definitely from the US. I might have verified it by making a witty remark in her direction, to check for that reaction their typical stare, stoically, and say with absolute sincerity: “That is quite humorous.” But I couldn’t think of a funny comment to say.
I just had to settle the genuine warmth – or an impersonation of it, which amounts to identical in effect – as she gazed straight at me, piercingly, and wished me a wonderful day. My spirits lifted. A positive experience.
