For the Checkout Assistant Who Left Me Absolutely Wordless – I Salute You
The scene was a Sunday morning, and I was grumpy enough, topping off the family car. It was a common fuel stop that also functions as a supermarket, so you run the risk of waiting behind customers carrying goods of somewhat expensive items. This is a dreadful thing to happen when all you want is to get gasoline and leave. Dreadful.
Fourth in line I stood in the queue. A single cashier operating, a young woman. Something stood out about her. After the ditherer at the first position had at last settled for a cleaning product, his pastry, and some breakfast items, I could have sworn overhearing the cashier bid him a wonderful day. Odd. Could be I misunderstood, or possibly she uttered it and meant it ironically. I pondered if perhaps she was a supporter in my fight against faff, sharing my contempt for people who hold up straightforward customers like me.
Advancing next, to third in the queue. The new leader of our group finished pumping gas with commendable speed. And there it was again: “Have a wonderful day.” No, actually, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. An American? In Stourbridge? Her tone suggested it, and few locals tells people a wonderful day, or simply a good day. Very rare. You don’t get people from America visiting this town, certainly not employed at gas stations or other places.
Now I stood second. Following a senior shopper engaged in a lengthy struggle with her shopping cart, her food items, her purse and her rewards card. It went on for ever. Once completed, the woman also was wished to have a fantastic day. Clearly an American. I might have verified it by cracking a joke at the cashier, to observe that thing as they gaze at you, unsmilingly, and state very earnestly: “That is quite humorous.” Yet no idea came of anything hilarious to say.
In the end, I embraced the genuine warmth – or a mimicry of sincerity, essentially the same as the same thing – with which she looked directly into my eyes, piercingly, and told me to have a great day. My spirits lifted. It was a good thing.
