To the Cashier Who Left Me Absolutely Wordless – I Salute You
This occurred on a weekend morning, and I felt grumpy enough, refueling my mother's vehicle. It was one of those petrol stations that also functions as a grocery store, so you run the risk of waiting behind shoppers with carts of somewhat expensive items. A terrible fate to occur when your only desire is to pay for some fuel. Dreadful.
I was fourth among those waiting. Just one employee working, a female attendant. A peculiar quality to her presence. When the faffer at the first position had completed payment for his purchases, his pastry, and some breakfast items, I could have sworn I heard the cashier tell him to have a great day. Unusual. Maybe it was a mistake, or possibly she uttered it and used a mocking tone. I pondered if she could even be a supporter in the war on delays, echoing my disdain for those who delay people just getting gas like me.
Advancing next, now third in line. The person ahead of the queue finished pumping gas with commendable speed. And there it was again: “Have a wonderful day.” No, actually, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. An American? Here in Stourbridge? Her tone suggested it, and no British person wishes anyone those exact words, or merely a pleasant day. Quite out of place. It's uncommon to find people from America knocking around Stourbridge, and definitely not employed at gas stations or other places.
I was second now. Behind a poor older woman engaged in a lengthy struggle with her basket, her food items, her purse and her loyalty card. It went on for ever. Once completed, she as well was wished an excellent day. Definitely from the US. I might have verified it by cracking a joke at the cashier, to see if she did that reaction when they look at you, stoically, and state very earnestly: “That is quite humorous.” However, nothing occurred of a jest to utter.
Ultimately, I accepted the heartfelt tone – or an impersonation of it, which amounts to the same thing – with which she looked me right in the eye, to my very core, and bid me to have a great day. It improved my mood. Beneficial indeed.
