Addressing the Store Clerk Who Made Me Totally Speechless – Kudos to You
It was a Sunday morning, and I found myself in a foul mood, topping off my mum’s car. The location was one of those petrol stations that also functions as a grocery store, so you run the risk of waiting behind customers carrying goods of pricey provisions. A terrible fate to unfold when the sole aim is to pay for some fuel. Dreadful.
Fourth in line I stood in the queue. Just one employee working, a female attendant. Something stood out about her. Once the slowpoke at the first position had at last settled for his purchases, his pastry, and a carton of eggs, I was certain I heard the cashier bid him an excellent day. Strange. Perhaps I’d misheard, or maybe she did say it and used a mocking tone. I wondered if she could even be a comrade in my fight against faff, reflecting my irritation for those who delay people just getting gas including me.
Taking a step forward, becoming the third customer. The person ahead of our line finished pumping gas with commendable speed. Again, the phrase came: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” No, actually, it was “have a wonderful day”. An American? In Stourbridge? The pronunciation indicated it, and hardly anyone here wishes anyone such a cheerful phrase, or even just a nice day. Very rare. You don’t get many Americans visiting this town, certainly not working in petrol stations or elsewhere.
Second in line at last. After an elderly lady dealing with a right old battle with her shopping cart, her food items, her purse and her membership pass. The process dragged on. Once completed, she as well got told an excellent day. Yes, American for sure. Confirming it was possible by making a witty remark at the cashier, to see if she did that response their typical stare, stoically, and say with absolute sincerity: “That is quite humorous.” Yet no idea came of anything hilarious to say.
Ultimately, I accepted the heartfelt tone – or a mimicry of sincerity, essentially the same as no different – while she stared straight at me, deep into my soul, and bid me a wonderful day. My spirits lifted. It was a good thing.
