To the Cashier That Made Me Totally Speechless – My Hat's Off to You
It was a Sunday morning, and I found myself sufficiently irritable, refueling the family car. It was a typical gas station that operates as a grocery store, so you run the risk of joining a queue customers carrying goods of slightly overpriced groceries. A terrible fate to happen when your only desire is to pay for some fuel. Awful.
Fourth in line I stood among those waiting. Just one cashier operating, a young woman. There was something unusual in her demeanor. After the ditherer at the head of the line had completed payment for his purchases, a baked snack, and some breakfast items, I was certain I heard the cashier bid him a wonderful day. Unusual. Maybe it was a mistake, or perhaps she spoke and meant it ironically. The thought crossed my mind if she could even be a supporter in the war on delays, sharing my contempt for people who hold up straightforward customers such as myself.
Advancing next, to third in the queue. The next shopper of our line finished pumping gas with notable efficiency. And there it was again: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” No, actually, it was “have a wonderful day”. A stateside native? In Stourbridge? She had the accent, and few locals wishes anyone those exact words, or simply a good day. Very rare. It's uncommon to find people from America knocking around Stourbridge, and definitely not working in petrol stations or anywhere else.
I was second now. After an elderly lady embroiled in a right old battle with her shopping cart, her purchases, her purse and her rewards card. It went on for ever. After she finished, she too was wished a wonderful day. Definitely from the US. I could have confirmed it by making a witty remark to her, to observe that response as they gaze at you, unsmilingly, and reply with genuine earnest: “That is quite humorous.” Yet no idea came of a jest to express.
Ultimately, I accepted the genuine warmth – or a mimicry of sincerity, which amounts to identical in effect – as she gazed directly into my eyes, piercingly, and told me a wonderful day. My spirits lifted. It was a good thing.
