Addressing the Store Clerk That Made Me Absolutely Wordless – My Hat's Off to You
This occurred on a day of rest, and I was sufficiently irritable, filling up my mum’s car. The location was one of those petrol stations that doubles as a convenience store, meaning there's a chance of waiting behind customers carrying goods of slightly overpriced groceries. This is a dreadful thing to unfold when the sole aim is to complete a simple refueling. Terrible.
Fourth in line I stood in the waiting line. A single person serving, a female attendant. There was something unusual to her presence. Once the slowpoke at the first position had completed payment for his purchases, his pastry, and some breakfast items, I was certain I heard the cashier tell him a wonderful day. Odd. Perhaps I’d misheard, or maybe she did say it and meant it ironically. I wondered if perhaps she was a supporter in my fight against faff, echoing my disdain for those who delay people just getting gas including me.
Taking a step forward, becoming the third customer. The next shopper of our group completed her gasoline purchase with impressive quickness. Again, the phrase came: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” In fact, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. A stateside native? In Stourbridge? She had the accent, and few locals says to others such a cheerful phrase, or even just a nice day. Quite out of place. Rarely does one encounter people from America knocking around Stourbridge, least of all holding jobs in fueling spots or elsewhere.
Second in line at last. After an elderly lady engaged in a protracted effort with her shopping cart, her purchases, her purse and her rewards card. This took an eternity. After she finished, she as well got told a wonderful day. Definitely from the US. I could have confirmed it by making a witty remark to her, to see if she did that reaction their typical stare, unsmilingly, and say with absolute sincerity: “You are very amusing.” Yet no idea came of a jest to utter.
I just had to settle for the absolute sincerity – or an impersonation of it, essentially the same as the same thing – with which she looked me right in the eye, piercingly, and told me to have a great day. My spirits lifted. It was a good thing.
