To the Checkout Assistant Who Left Me Absolutely Speechless – I Salute You
This occurred on a day of rest, and I found myself in a foul mood, refueling my mother's vehicle. It was a common fuel stop that also functions as a convenience store, which often leads of ending up in line shoppers with carts of pricey provisions. It's an awful situation to occur when all you want is to complete a simple refueling. Dreadful.
I was fourth in the waiting line. A single person serving, a young woman. A peculiar quality to her presence. When the faffer at the front of the queue had at last settled for a cleaning product, his pastry, and some breakfast items, I could have sworn overhearing the cashier wish him a wonderful day. Odd. Could be I misunderstood, or maybe she did say it and meant it ironically. I pondered if perhaps she was a supporter in the war on delays, echoing my disdain for those who delay simple fuel-buyers including me.
Taking a step forward, to third in the queue. The person ahead of our line completed her gasoline purchase with notable efficiency. Again, the phrase came: “Have a wonderful day.” To be precise, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. An American? At this location? She had the accent, and no British person says to others those exact words, or merely a pleasant day. Highly unusual. It's uncommon to find many Americans frequenting this area, and definitely not employed at gas stations or anywhere else.
I was second now. Behind a poor older woman embroiled in a protracted effort with her basket, her purchases, her wallet and her rewards card. It went on for ever. When she was done, she as well got told an excellent day. Clearly an American. I could have confirmed it by cracking a joke at the cashier, to check for that thing when they look at you, without a smile, and state very earnestly: “That’s really funny.” Yet no idea came of a funny comment to express.
Ultimately, I accepted the genuine warmth – or an impersonation of it, essentially the same as the same thing – with which she looked directly into my eyes, to my very core, and bid me an awesome day. It improved my mood. Beneficial indeed.
