To the Store Clerk Who Left Me Absolutely Without Words – I Salute You

It was a weekend morning, and I felt in a foul mood, refueling the family car. It was a typical gas station that doubles as a convenience store, meaning there's a chance of waiting behind customers carrying goods of slightly overpriced groceries. It's an awful situation to unfold when the sole aim is to get gasoline and leave. Dreadful.

I was fourth in the queue. There was only cashier operating, a female attendant. A peculiar quality about her. Once the slowpoke at the front of the queue had at last settled for his purchases, his pastry, and a carton of eggs, I could have sworn I heard the cashier wish him to have a great day. Unusual. Perhaps I’d misheard, or possibly she uttered it and was being sarcastic. I pondered if she might actually be an ally in my battle with dithering, reflecting my irritation for individuals slowing down people just getting gas such as myself.

Advancing next, now third in line. The next shopper of our group completed her gasoline purchase with notable efficiency. Again, the phrase came: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” No, actually, it was “have a wonderful day”. Someone from the US? Here in Stourbridge? The pronunciation indicated it, and hardly anyone here wishes anyone such a cheerful phrase, or even just a nice day. Very rare. Rarely does one encounter people from America frequenting this area, and definitely not holding jobs in fueling spots or other places.

Second in line at last. Following a senior shopper embroiled in a lengthy struggle with her basket, her food items, her purse and her loyalty card. The process dragged on. Once completed, the woman also received the wish an excellent day. Clearly an American. I might have verified it by making a witty remark at the cashier, to see if she did that reaction as they gaze at you, stoically, and state very earnestly: “You are very amusing.” However, nothing occurred of a jest to express.

I just had to settle for the absolute sincerity – or an impersonation of it, which amounts to the same thing – while she stared directly into my eyes, deep into my soul, and told me to have a great day. It improved my mood. A positive experience.