For the Cashier Who Made Me Completely Wordless – I Salute You
The scene was a Sunday morning, and I felt grumpy enough, refueling my mum’s car. It was a common fuel stop that operates as a convenience store, meaning there's a chance of joining a queue customers carrying goods of pricey provisions. This is a dreadful thing to unfold when your only desire is to complete a simple refueling. Dreadful.
I was fourth in the waiting line. Just one person serving, a young woman. Something stood out to her presence. After the ditherer at the head of the line had at last settled for his Viakal, a baked snack, and some breakfast items, I was certain that I heard the cashier bid him a wonderful day. Odd. Maybe it was a mistake, or possibly she uttered it and used a mocking tone. The thought crossed my mind if she might actually be an ally in my fight against faff, echoing my disdain for people who hold up straightforward customers such as myself.
Taking a step forward, to third in the queue. The new leader of our group discharged her fuel-only transaction with commendable speed. Once more it happened: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” No, actually, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. A stateside native? In Stourbridge? The pronunciation indicated it, and no British person wishes anyone those exact words, or simply a good day. Very rare. Rarely does one encounter people from America knocking around Stourbridge, least of all holding jobs in fueling spots or other places.
Now I stood second. Following a senior shopper embroiled in a protracted effort with her shopping cart, her purchases, her purse and her rewards card. The process dragged on. When she was done, she as well got told to have a fantastic day. Definitely from the US. I could have confirmed it by making a witty remark to her, to observe that thing as they gaze at you, without a smile, and state very earnestly: “You are very amusing.” 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 – as she gazed me right in the eye, to my very core, and wished me a wonderful day. My spirits lifted. Beneficial indeed.
