To the Store Clerk That Made Me Totally Speechless – I Salute You
This occurred on a Sunday morning, and I felt in a foul mood, topping off my mother's vehicle. It was a common fuel stop that operates as a grocery store, so you run the risk of joining a queue shoppers with carts of pricey provisions. A terrible fate to occur when all you want is to complete a simple refueling. Awful.
My position was fourth among those waiting. A single person serving, a youthful clerk. Something stood out to her presence. After the ditherer at the front of the queue had finally paid for his Viakal, a baked snack, and some breakfast items, I could have sworn that I heard the cashier tell him a wonderful day. Strange. Perhaps I’d misheard, or possibly she uttered it and used a mocking tone. I pondered if perhaps she was a supporter in the war on delays, reflecting my irritation for individuals slowing down straightforward customers including me.
Advancing next, now third in line. The new leader of our group discharged her fuel-only transaction with commendable speed. And there it was again: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” No, actually, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. An American? Here in Stourbridge? Her tone suggested it, and hardly anyone here tells people such a cheerful phrase, or simply a good day. Quite out of place. Rarely does one encounter US citizens knocking around Stourbridge, least of all working in petrol stations or other places.
Now I stood second. Following a senior shopper engaged in a protracted effort with her shopping cart, her groceries, her wallet and her loyalty card. It went on for ever. Once completed, the woman also got told a wonderful day. Definitely from the US. I could have confirmed it by saying something hilarious in her direction, to observe that response as they gaze at you, stoically, and state very earnestly: “You are very amusing.” However, nothing occurred of a funny comment to say.
Ultimately, I accepted for the absolute sincerity – or a performance of it, that equates to no different – as she gazed directly into my eyes, deep into my soul, and bid me an awesome day. It improved my mood. Beneficial indeed.
