For the Checkout Assistant That Left Me Absolutely Without Words – Kudos to You
It was a day of rest, and I was sufficiently irritable, topping off my mum’s car. This was one of those petrol stations that operates as a convenience store, so you run the risk of joining a queue shoppers with carts of somewhat expensive items. A terrible fate to unfold when your only desire is to get gasoline and leave. Terrible.
My position was fourth in the waiting line. Just one employee working, a youthful clerk. There was something unusual in her demeanor. Once the slowpoke at the head of the line had finally paid for his purchases, his sausage roll, and his box of eggs, It seemed to me overhearing the cashier wish him a wonderful day. Strange. Perhaps I’d misheard, or maybe she did say it and meant it ironically. I pondered if she could even be an ally in my fight against faff, sharing my contempt for people who hold up people just getting gas such as myself.
I moved up, now third in line. The person ahead of the queue finished pumping gas with impressive quickness. And there it was again: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” To be precise, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. Someone from the US? At this location? Her tone suggested it, and hardly anyone here says to others a wonderful day, or even just a nice day. Very rare. You don’t get US citizens visiting this town, 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 carryall, her purchases, her purse and her rewards card. This took an eternity. Once completed, the woman also got told an excellent day. Clearly an American. I could have confirmed it by saying something hilarious in her direction, to observe that thing their typical stare, without a smile, and reply with genuine earnest: “That is quite humorous.” Yet no idea came of a jest to say.
In the end, I embraced the genuine warmth – or an impersonation of it, that equates to identical in effect – with which she looked straight at me, deep into my soul, and bid me an awesome day. It improved my mood. Beneficial indeed.
