To the Cashier That Made Me Completely Wordless – My Hat's Off to You
It was a day of rest, and I found myself grumpy enough, topping off my mother's vehicle. This was one of those petrol stations that doubles as a grocery store, which often leads of joining a queue people bearing baskets of pricey provisions. It's an awful situation to unfold when the sole aim is to pay for some fuel. Dreadful.
Fourth in line I stood among those waiting. Just one employee working, a female attendant. There was something unusual about her. Once the slowpoke at the first position had completed payment for his Viakal, a baked snack, and his box of eggs, I could have sworn overhearing the cashier wish him a wonderful day. Unusual. Could be I misunderstood, or maybe she did say it and was being sarcastic. I pondered if she might actually be a comrade in the war on delays, sharing my contempt for individuals slowing down people just getting gas such as myself.
Advancing next, to third in the queue. The new leader of our group finished pumping gas with notable efficiency. Again, the phrase came: “Have a wonderful day.” To be precise, it was “have a wonderful day”. An American? In Stourbridge? Her tone suggested it, and hardly anyone here wishes anyone a wonderful day, or merely a pleasant day. Highly unusual. It's uncommon to find US citizens visiting this town, certainly not holding jobs in fueling spots or elsewhere.
Second in line at last. Behind a poor older woman engaged in a right old battle with her basket, her purchases, her purse and her loyalty card. It went on for ever. When she was done, the woman also received the wish to have a fantastic day. Clearly an American. I might have verified it by saying something hilarious to her, to check for that reaction when they look at you, stoically, and say with absolute sincerity: “You are very amusing.” But I couldn’t think of a funny comment to say.
Ultimately, I accepted for the absolute sincerity – or a performance of it, which amounts to identical in effect – as she gazed straight at me, deep into my soul, and wished me an awesome day. It improved my mood. It was a good thing.
