To the Checkout Assistant That Left Me Totally Speechless – My Hat's Off to You
It was a Sunday morning, and I found myself grumpy enough, refueling my mother's vehicle. It was one of those petrol stations that doubles as a grocery store, so you run the risk of waiting behind shoppers with carts of somewhat expensive items. It's an awful situation to happen when all you want is to get gasoline and leave. Awful.
My position was fourth among those waiting. Just one cashier operating, a female attendant. A peculiar quality to her presence. When the faffer at the front of the queue had at last settled for a cleaning product, a baked snack, and a carton of eggs, It seemed to me that I heard the cashier wish him an excellent day. Odd. Perhaps I’d misheard, or perhaps she spoke and used a mocking tone. The thought crossed my mind if she could even be an ally in my fight against faff, reflecting my irritation for people who hold up simple fuel-buyers including me.
I moved up, to third in the queue. The person ahead of the queue completed her gasoline purchase with impressive quickness. Once more it happened: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” No, actually, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. An American? Here in Stourbridge? The pronunciation indicated it, and no British person says to others a wonderful day, or even just a nice day. Highly unusual. You don’t get many Americans visiting this town, and definitely not employed at gas stations or elsewhere.
I was second now. Following a senior shopper embroiled in a right old battle with her shopping cart, her purchases, her handbag and her rewards card. The process dragged on. Once completed, she too was wished an excellent day. Definitely from the US. I might have verified it by making a witty remark at the cashier, to observe that thing as they gaze at you, without a smile, and state very earnestly: “You are very amusing.” But I couldn’t think of a funny comment to express.
In the end, I embraced the heartfelt tone – or an impersonation of it, essentially the same as the same thing – as she gazed me right in the eye, to my very core, and bid me a wonderful day. I felt better for it. Beneficial indeed.
