To the Store Clerk Who Left Me Absolutely Wordless – My Hat's Off to You
The scene was a Sunday morning, and I felt grumpy enough, refueling the family car. It was a common fuel stop that doubles as a supermarket, so you run the risk of joining a queue customers carrying goods of slightly overpriced groceries. It's an awful situation to unfold when your only desire is to complete a simple refueling. Dreadful.
My position was fourth among those waiting. There was only cashier operating, a young woman. Something stood out in her demeanor. After the ditherer at the first position had at last settled for his Viakal, his sausage roll, and his box of eggs, I was certain overhearing the cashier wish him an excellent day. Unusual. Could be I misunderstood, or maybe she did say it and meant it ironically. I wondered if she could even be a comrade in my battle with dithering, reflecting my irritation for individuals slowing down straightforward customers including me.
I moved up, now third in line. The next shopper of our line finished pumping gas with impressive quickness. And there it was again: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” No, actually, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. A stateside native? At this location? She had the accent, and few locals wishes anyone a wonderful day, or simply a good day. Quite out of place. Rarely does one encounter people from America visiting this town, certainly not holding jobs in fueling spots or anywhere else.
Now I stood second. Following a senior shopper engaged in a right old battle with her shopping cart, her groceries, her purse and her loyalty card. It went on for ever. When she was done, she as well was wished to have a fantastic day. Yes, American for sure. Confirming it was possible by cracking a joke at the cashier, to observe that thing as they gaze at you, stoically, and say with absolute sincerity: “That is quite humorous.” Yet no idea came of a jest to utter.
I just had to settle for the absolute sincerity – or a performance of it, which amounts to no different – as she gazed straight at me, to my very core, and wished me to have a great day. My spirits lifted. Beneficial indeed.
