For the Cashier That Made Me Absolutely Without Words – Kudos to You
It was a weekend morning, and I found myself grumpy enough, filling up the family car. The location was a common fuel stop that operates as a supermarket, so you run the risk of waiting behind people bearing baskets of somewhat expensive items. This is a dreadful thing to happen when your only desire is to pay for some fuel. Dreadful.
I was fourth in the queue. There was only person serving, a youthful clerk. There was something unusual about her. After the ditherer at the first position had completed payment for his purchases, a baked snack, and some breakfast items, I could have sworn overhearing the cashier tell him an excellent day. Strange. Maybe it was a mistake, or possibly she uttered it and meant it ironically. The thought crossed my mind if she could even be an ally in my battle with dithering, sharing my contempt for individuals slowing down straightforward customers like me.
Advancing next, becoming the third customer. The new leader of our line finished pumping gas with impressive quickness. And there it was again: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” No, actually, it was “have a wonderful day”. An American? Here in Stourbridge? Her tone suggested it, and no British person wishes anyone such a cheerful phrase, or simply a good day. Very rare. It's uncommon to find people from America frequenting this area, and definitely not working in petrol stations or elsewhere.
I was second now. After an elderly lady engaged in a protracted effort with her shopping cart, her groceries, her handbag and her loyalty card. The process dragged on. After she finished, she as well received the wish a wonderful day. Clearly an American. I might have verified it by cracking a joke at the cashier, to observe that response as they gaze at you, unsmilingly, and reply with genuine earnest: “You are very amusing.” But I couldn’t think of a funny comment to utter.
Ultimately, I accepted the heartfelt tone – or a performance of it, essentially the same as identical in effect – as she gazed straight at me, to my very core, and told me a wonderful day. My spirits lifted. Beneficial indeed.
