Addressing the Store Clerk Who Made Me Completely Speechless – My Hat's Off to You
This occurred on a day of rest, and I felt sufficiently irritable, refueling my mother's vehicle. This was one of those petrol stations that also functions as a supermarket, which often leads of ending up in line shoppers with carts of slightly overpriced groceries. This is a dreadful thing to unfold when all you want is to get gasoline and leave. Awful.
Fourth in line I stood in the waiting line. Just one person serving, a female attendant. Something stood out about her. Once the slowpoke at the front of the queue had finally paid for his purchases, a baked snack, and his box of eggs, I was certain I heard the cashier wish him an excellent day. Strange. Perhaps I’d misheard, or maybe she did say it and was being sarcastic. I wondered if she might actually be a supporter in the war on delays, reflecting my irritation for individuals slowing down simple fuel-buyers including me.
Advancing next, becoming the third customer. The next shopper of our group discharged her fuel-only transaction with impressive quickness. Again, the phrase came: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” To be precise, it was “have a wonderful day”. Someone from the US? At this location? The pronunciation indicated it, and no British person tells people such a cheerful phrase, or merely a pleasant day. Highly unusual. Rarely does one encounter many Americans visiting this town, and definitely not employed at gas stations or other places.
Second in line at last. After an elderly lady dealing with a lengthy struggle with her carryall, her groceries, her handbag and her membership pass. The process dragged on. After she finished, she as well received the wish to have a fantastic day. Definitely from the US. I could have confirmed it by making a witty remark to her, to observe that response when they look at you, unsmilingly, and reply with genuine earnest: “That is quite humorous.” However, nothing occurred of anything hilarious to express.
In the end, I embraced the heartfelt tone – or an impersonation of it, that equates to identical in effect – with which she looked directly into my eyes, to my very core, and wished me a wonderful day. My spirits lifted. It was a good thing.
