Addressing the Store Clerk That Made Me Absolutely Without Words – My Hat's Off to You
The scene was a Sunday morning, and I found myself sufficiently irritable, refueling my mother's vehicle. This was a typical gas station that operates as a grocery store, meaning there's a chance of waiting behind shoppers with carts of somewhat expensive items. This is a dreadful thing to occur when all you want is to get gasoline and leave. Awful.
Fourth in line I stood in the queue. A single cashier operating, a youthful clerk. There was something unusual to her presence. Once the slowpoke at the front of the queue had finally paid for a cleaning product, his pastry, and some breakfast items, I could have sworn I heard the cashier wish him a wonderful day. Strange. Could be I misunderstood, or possibly she uttered it and meant it ironically. The thought crossed my mind if she might actually be an ally in the war on delays, sharing my contempt for people who hold up simple fuel-buyers including me.
I moved up, now third in line. The next shopper of our group completed her gasoline purchase with notable efficiency. Once more it happened: “Have a wonderful day.” To be precise, it was “have a wonderful day”. Someone from the US? At this location? The pronunciation indicated it, and few locals wishes anyone those exact words, or even just a nice day. Very rare. You don’t get US citizens frequenting this area, least of all holding jobs in fueling spots or other places.
Second in line at last. Behind a poor older woman dealing with a protracted effort with her basket, 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. I could have confirmed it by cracking a joke to her, to check for that reaction when they look at you, unsmilingly, and say with absolute sincerity: “You are very amusing.” Yet no idea came of anything hilarious to say.
Ultimately, I accepted the heartfelt tone – or a performance of it, that equates to identical in effect – while she stared directly into my eyes, deep into my soul, and told me a wonderful day. My spirits lifted. A positive experience.
