To the Cashier That Made Me Totally Wordless – I Salute You
This occurred on a weekend morning, and I found myself grumpy enough, filling up my mum’s car. This was a typical gas station that operates as a grocery store, meaning there's a chance of ending up in line shoppers with carts of slightly overpriced groceries. A terrible fate to happen when your only desire is to complete a simple refueling. Dreadful.
I was fourth in the queue. Just one employee working, a young woman. Something stood out in her demeanor. Once the slowpoke at the first position had at last settled for his purchases, his pastry, and his box of eggs, It seemed to me that I heard the cashier bid him a wonderful day. Strange. Maybe it was a mistake, or maybe she did say it and meant it ironically. I pondered if she might actually be a supporter in my battle with dithering, sharing my contempt for those who delay people just getting gas like me.
I moved up, to third in the queue. The next shopper of the queue discharged her fuel-only transaction with impressive quickness. Once more it happened: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” To be precise, it was “have a wonderful day”. Someone from the US? Here in Stourbridge? Her tone suggested it, and no British person says to others those exact words, or merely a pleasant day. Highly unusual. Rarely does one encounter many Americans frequenting this area, least of all employed at gas stations or elsewhere.
I was second now. Behind a poor older woman engaged in a protracted effort with her shopping cart, her groceries, her purse and her membership pass. It went on for ever. When she was done, she too was wished a wonderful day. Yes, American for sure. I could have confirmed it by saying something hilarious to her, to observe that response when they look at you, unsmilingly, and reply with genuine earnest: “That’s really funny.” But I couldn’t think of anything hilarious to express.
In the end, I embraced for the absolute sincerity – or a performance of it, that equates to no different – while she stared straight at me, deep into my soul, and wished me to have a great day. I felt better for it. Beneficial indeed.
