For the Cashier That Left Me Absolutely Without Words – I Salute You
It was a day of rest, and I felt in a foul mood, filling up my mum’s car. The location was one of those petrol stations that doubles as a grocery store, so you run the risk of joining a queue customers carrying goods of pricey provisions. This is a dreadful thing to happen when your only desire is to complete a simple refueling. Terrible.
I was fourth in the queue. Just one employee working, a female attendant. There was something unusual about her. Once the slowpoke at the first position had completed payment for a cleaning product, his pastry, and his box of eggs, I was certain overhearing the cashier tell him to have a great day. Unusual. Maybe it was a mistake, or possibly she uttered it and meant it ironically. The thought crossed my mind if she might actually be a comrade in the war on delays, sharing my contempt for those who delay simple fuel-buyers including me.
Advancing next, becoming the third customer. The person ahead of our line discharged her fuel-only transaction with impressive quickness. And there it was again: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” In fact, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. A stateside native? In Stourbridge? The pronunciation indicated it, and few locals wishes anyone those exact words, or simply a good day. Highly unusual. You don’t get people from America visiting this town, least of all holding jobs in fueling spots or anywhere else.
I was second now. After an elderly lady embroiled in a lengthy struggle with her shopping cart, her groceries, her purse and her membership pass. This took an eternity. When she was done, the woman also received the wish a wonderful day. Clearly an American. Confirming it was possible by saying something hilarious at the cashier, to observe that reaction when they look at you, unsmilingly, and say with absolute sincerity: “You are very amusing.” But I couldn’t think of a funny comment to express.
In the end, I embraced the genuine warmth – or a mimicry of sincerity, which amounts to identical in effect – as she gazed me right in the eye, piercingly, and wished me a wonderful day. I felt better for it. It was a good thing.
