For the Checkout Assistant That Made Me Totally Speechless – Kudos to You
This occurred on a Sunday morning, and I was in a foul mood, topping off my mother's vehicle. This was one of those petrol stations that operates as a convenience store, which often leads of joining a queue people bearing baskets of pricey provisions. A terrible fate to unfold when your only desire is to pay for some fuel. Terrible.
Fourth in line I stood in the waiting line. Just one cashier operating, a female attendant. There was something unusual in her demeanor. Once the slowpoke at the head of the line had finally paid for a cleaning product, a baked snack, and some breakfast items, I was certain I heard the cashier bid him an excellent day. Unusual. Could be I misunderstood, or possibly she uttered it and used a mocking tone. I pondered if she could even be an ally in my battle with dithering, echoing my disdain for those who delay straightforward customers like me.
I moved up, now third in line. The next shopper of the queue completed her gasoline purchase with impressive quickness. Again, the phrase came: “Have a wonderful day.” No, actually, it was “have a wonderful day”. An American? Here in Stourbridge? She had the accent, and no British person tells people such a cheerful phrase, or merely a pleasant day. Very rare. It's uncommon to find people from America frequenting this area, certainly not working in petrol stations or anywhere else.
Now I stood second. Behind a poor older woman dealing with a protracted effort with her carryall, her groceries, her handbag and her membership pass. The process dragged on. After she finished, she too was wished a wonderful day. Clearly an American. Confirming it was possible by making a witty remark at the cashier, to check for that reaction their typical stare, stoically, and say with absolute sincerity: “That is quite humorous.” However, nothing occurred of anything hilarious to utter.
I just had to settle the genuine warmth – or a mimicry of sincerity, which amounts to no different – while she stared me right in the eye, deep into my soul, and bid me a wonderful day. My spirits lifted. Beneficial indeed.
