Addressing the Store Clerk Who Made Me Completely Wordless – My Hat's Off to You
The scene was a day of rest, and I felt grumpy enough, topping off my mum’s car. The location was one of those petrol stations that doubles as a convenience store, meaning there's a chance of joining a queue shoppers with carts of pricey provisions. This is a dreadful thing to unfold when the sole aim is to get gasoline and leave. Terrible.
I was fourth in the waiting line. There was only person serving, a youthful clerk. Something stood out about her. When the faffer at the head of the line had at last settled for his Viakal, his pastry, and a carton of eggs, It seemed to me that I heard the cashier tell him an excellent day. Strange. Perhaps I’d misheard, or maybe she did say it and was being sarcastic. I wondered if she might actually be a supporter in the war on delays, echoing my disdain for those who delay simple fuel-buyers like me.
Advancing next, becoming the third customer. The new leader of our line discharged her fuel-only transaction with notable efficiency. And there it was again: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” To be precise, it was “have a wonderful day”. Someone from the US? At this location? She had the accent, and few locals tells people those exact words, or merely a pleasant day. Highly unusual. It's uncommon to find many Americans visiting this town, certainly not employed at gas stations or anywhere else.
I was second now. After an elderly lady engaged in a right old battle with her shopping cart, her purchases, her wallet and her rewards card. It went on for ever. When she was done, she too received the wish to have a fantastic day. Definitely from the US. I might have verified it by making a witty remark in her direction, to check for that response when they look at you, without a smile, and say with absolute sincerity: “That is quite humorous.” But I couldn’t think of a funny comment to express.
Ultimately, I accepted the heartfelt tone – or an impersonation of it, essentially the same as identical in effect – as she gazed directly into my eyes, piercingly, and wished me an awesome day. I felt better for it. Beneficial indeed.
