To the Checkout Assistant Who Left Me Totally Wordless – I Salute You
This occurred on a Sunday morning, and I found myself in a foul mood, filling up my mum’s car. It was a typical gas station that also functions as a supermarket, which often leads of ending up in line shoppers with carts of pricey provisions. It's an awful situation to occur when your only desire is to pay for some fuel. Dreadful.
I was fourth among those waiting. There was only employee working, a female attendant. Something stood out about her. After the ditherer at the first position had finally paid for his purchases, a baked snack, and some breakfast items, It seemed to me that I heard the cashier bid him an excellent day. Unusual. Could be I misunderstood, or maybe she did say it and meant it ironically. The thought crossed my mind if she might actually be an ally in my battle with dithering, echoing my disdain for people who hold up simple fuel-buyers including me.
Advancing next, now third in line. The next shopper of our line discharged her fuel-only transaction with impressive quickness. Once more it happened: “Have a wonderful day.” In fact, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. A stateside native? At this location? Her tone suggested it, and hardly anyone here wishes anyone a wonderful day, or even just a nice day. Quite out of place. You don’t get US citizens knocking around Stourbridge, certainly not working in petrol stations or anywhere else.
I was second now. Following a senior shopper dealing with a right old battle with her shopping cart, her food items, her handbag and her rewards card. The process dragged on. When she was done, the woman also was wished to have a fantastic day. Clearly an American. Confirming it was possible by cracking a joke in her direction, to observe that response their typical stare, stoically, and reply with genuine earnest: “You are very amusing.” However, nothing occurred of a funny comment to say.
Ultimately, I accepted the heartfelt tone – or an impersonation of it, essentially the same as identical in effect – while she stared directly into my eyes, to my very core, and wished me an awesome day. I felt better for it. A positive experience.
