To the Checkout Assistant That Left Me Absolutely Wordless – Kudos to You
The scene was a day of rest, and I felt sufficiently irritable, refueling my mother's vehicle. It was a common fuel stop that doubles as a convenience store, which often leads of waiting behind customers carrying goods of somewhat expensive items. This is a dreadful thing to unfold when your only desire is to get gasoline and leave. Dreadful.
My position was fourth among those waiting. Just one cashier operating, a young woman. Something stood out in her demeanor. After the ditherer at the front of the queue had finally paid for his Viakal, his sausage roll, and some breakfast items, I was certain that I heard the cashier bid him to have a great day. Strange. Perhaps I’d misheard, or perhaps she spoke and was being sarcastic. I pondered if perhaps she was a supporter in my battle with dithering, echoing my disdain for individuals slowing down simple fuel-buyers including me.
I moved up, to third in the queue. The person ahead of the queue completed her gasoline purchase with commendable speed. Once more it happened: “Have a wonderful day.” In fact, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. An American? At this location? She had the accent, and no British person says to others a wonderful day, or merely a pleasant day. Highly unusual. Rarely does one encounter people from America visiting this town, and definitely not working in petrol stations or elsewhere.
Now I stood second. Following a senior shopper dealing with a right old battle with her basket, her food items, her wallet and her loyalty card. The process dragged on. Once completed, she too got told to have a fantastic day. Clearly an American. Confirming it was possible by making a witty remark in her direction, to observe that response as they gaze at you, without a smile, and state very earnestly: “You are very amusing.” Yet no idea came of a funny comment to say.
In the end, I embraced the heartfelt tone – or a mimicry of sincerity, that equates to no different – with which she looked straight at me, deep into my soul, and wished me a wonderful day. It improved my mood. It was a good thing.
