To the Checkout Assistant Who Left Me Completely Without Words – My Hat's Off to You
This occurred on a weekend morning, and I found myself sufficiently irritable, topping off the family car. This was a common fuel stop that also functions as a grocery store, so you run the risk of ending up in line customers carrying goods of slightly overpriced groceries. A terrible fate to occur when all you want is to complete a simple refueling. Awful.
My position was fourth in the waiting line. Just one employee working, a female attendant. There was something unusual about her. When the faffer at the head of the line had at last settled for a cleaning product, his sausage roll, and a carton of eggs, I was certain I heard the cashier bid him to have a great day. Odd. Maybe it was a mistake, or maybe she did say it and meant it ironically. I wondered if perhaps she was an ally in my fight against faff, echoing my disdain for people who hold up simple fuel-buyers like me.
Advancing next, becoming the third customer. The new leader of our line finished pumping gas with commendable speed. Again, the phrase came: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” No, actually, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. Someone from the US? In Stourbridge? The pronunciation indicated it, and few locals says to others such a cheerful phrase, or simply a good day. Quite out of place. You don’t get many Americans visiting this town, certainly not working in petrol stations or anywhere else.
Now I stood second. Behind a poor older woman dealing with a right old battle with her basket, her groceries, her purse and her membership pass. It went on for ever. Once completed, she too got told an excellent day. Yes, American for sure. I could have confirmed it by making a witty remark to her, to see if she did that thing when they look at you, unsmilingly, and state very earnestly: “That’s really funny.” Yet no idea came of a jest to say.
I just had to settle the heartfelt tone – or a performance of it, that equates to identical in effect – with which she looked directly into my eyes, deep into my soul, and wished me an awesome day. I felt better for it. It was a good thing.
