For the Checkout Assistant That Made Me Absolutely Without Words – I Salute You
This occurred on a day of rest, and I found myself grumpy enough, filling up my mother's vehicle. The location was a common fuel stop that also functions as a supermarket, meaning there's a chance of waiting behind customers carrying goods of pricey provisions. It's an awful situation to unfold when the sole aim is to complete a simple refueling. Awful.
I was fourth in the queue. A single cashier operating, a female attendant. A peculiar quality in her demeanor. When the faffer at the head of the line had completed payment for a cleaning product, a baked snack, and a carton of eggs, It seemed to me overhearing the cashier wish him to have a great day. Strange. Perhaps I’d misheard, or perhaps she spoke and used a mocking tone. I wondered if perhaps she was a supporter in my fight against faff, echoing my disdain for people who hold up simple fuel-buyers like me.
Taking a step forward, now third in line. The person ahead of our group finished pumping gas with notable efficiency. Once more it happened: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” To be precise, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. An American? At this location? Her tone suggested it, and no British person tells people such a cheerful phrase, or even just a nice day. Very rare. Rarely does one encounter people from America knocking around Stourbridge, least of all working in petrol stations or elsewhere.
Second in line at last. After an elderly lady dealing with a right old battle with her basket, her groceries, her purse and her loyalty card. This took an eternity. Once completed, the woman also got told a wonderful day. Definitely from the US. Confirming it was possible by cracking a joke in her direction, to see if she did that reaction as they gaze at you, stoically, and say with absolute sincerity: “That is quite humorous.” Yet no idea came of a funny comment to utter.
I just had to settle the heartfelt tone – or a performance of it, essentially the same as the same thing – with which she looked directly into my eyes, deep into my soul, and bid me to have a great day. It improved my mood. It was a good thing.
