To the Checkout Assistant That Made Me Absolutely Without Words – Kudos to You
It was a weekend morning, and I felt sufficiently irritable, filling up my mother's vehicle. The location was one of those petrol stations that also functions as a convenience store, meaning there's a chance of ending up in line customers carrying goods of slightly overpriced groceries. It's an awful situation to happen when the sole aim is to pay for some fuel. Terrible.
Fourth in line I stood in the queue. Just one cashier operating, a youthful clerk. There was something unusual in her demeanor. When the faffer at the first position had finally paid for a cleaning product, his sausage roll, and some breakfast items, I was certain overhearing the cashier wish him to have a great day. Strange. Could be I misunderstood, or maybe she did say it and was being sarcastic. I wondered if she could even be an ally in the war on delays, echoing my disdain for those who delay simple fuel-buyers including me.
Taking a step forward, now third in line. The next shopper of the queue discharged her fuel-only transaction with commendable speed. Again, the phrase came: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” No, actually, it was “have a wonderful day”. An American? At this location? Her tone suggested it, and few locals tells people such a cheerful phrase, or simply a good day. Highly unusual. Rarely does one encounter US citizens frequenting this area, least of all working in petrol stations or elsewhere.
I was second now. After an elderly lady engaged in a right old battle with her carryall, her food items, her purse and her rewards card. This took an eternity. After she finished, she as well got told an excellent day. Yes, American for sure. Confirming it was possible by cracking a joke at the cashier, to observe that response their typical stare, stoically, and say with absolute sincerity: “That is quite humorous.” But I couldn’t think of anything hilarious to utter.
I just had to settle the heartfelt tone – or a performance of it, which amounts to no different – with which she looked me right in the eye, to my very core, and wished me a wonderful day. I felt better for it. It was a good thing.
