For the Checkout Assistant That Made Me Totally Wordless – I Salute You
The scene was a Sunday morning, and I felt grumpy enough, refueling my mum’s car. This was a typical gas station that operates as a convenience store, so you run the risk of ending up in line people bearing baskets of slightly overpriced groceries. This is a dreadful thing to happen when all you want is to get gasoline and leave. Terrible.
Fourth in line I stood in the queue. Just one employee working, a female attendant. There was something unusual in her demeanor. After the ditherer at the first position had completed payment for a cleaning product, a baked snack, and a carton of eggs, I was certain overhearing the cashier bid him an excellent day. Strange. Could be I misunderstood, or possibly she uttered it and used a mocking tone. I pondered if she could even be a supporter in my battle with dithering, echoing my disdain for people who hold up simple fuel-buyers like me.
Advancing next, to third in the queue. The person ahead of our group completed her gasoline purchase with commendable speed. Once more it happened: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” In fact, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. An American? Here in Stourbridge? Her tone suggested it, and no British person wishes anyone such a cheerful phrase, or merely a pleasant day. Quite out of place. It's uncommon to find people from America knocking around Stourbridge, and definitely not holding jobs in fueling spots or elsewhere.
Now I stood second. Behind a poor older woman engaged in a protracted effort with her carryall, her purchases, her purse and her loyalty card. This took an eternity. Once completed, she too got told an excellent day. Yes, American for sure. I might have verified it by cracking a joke to her, to observe that reaction their typical stare, without a smile, and reply with genuine earnest: “You are very amusing.” Yet no idea came of a jest to utter.
Ultimately, I accepted the genuine warmth – or an impersonation of it, which amounts to the same thing – while she stared directly into my eyes, deep into my soul, and wished me to have a great day. My spirits lifted. It was a good thing.