To the Cashier Who Made Me Absolutely Without Words – My Hat's Off to You
It was a weekend morning, and I felt grumpy enough, filling up my mum’s car. This was one of those petrol stations that also functions as a grocery store, meaning there's a chance of ending up in line people bearing baskets of somewhat expensive items. A terrible fate to unfold when your only desire is to pay for some fuel. Dreadful.
My position was fourth in the waiting line. Just one cashier operating, a young woman. Something stood out to her presence. After the ditherer at the first position had finally paid for his purchases, a baked snack, and some breakfast items, I could have sworn that I heard the cashier bid him an excellent day. Unusual. Perhaps I’d misheard, or possibly she uttered it and used a mocking tone. I pondered if she could even be an ally in my fight against faff, echoing my disdain for individuals slowing down people just getting gas such as myself.
Taking a step forward, to third in the queue. The new leader of the queue discharged her fuel-only transaction with commendable speed. Once more it happened: “Have a wonderful day.” No, actually, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. Someone from the US? Here in Stourbridge? Her tone suggested it, and hardly anyone here wishes anyone such a cheerful phrase, or even just a nice day. Quite out of place. Rarely does one encounter US citizens knocking around Stourbridge, and definitely not employed at gas stations or other places.
Now I stood second. After an elderly lady engaged in a lengthy struggle with her shopping cart, her food items, her wallet and her rewards card. It went on for ever. Once completed, she too was wished to have a fantastic day. Clearly an American. I might have verified it by making a witty remark in her direction, to see if she did that response their typical stare, without a smile, and state very earnestly: “That’s really funny.” Yet no idea came of a funny comment to say.
Ultimately, I accepted for the absolute sincerity – or a mimicry of sincerity, essentially the same as the same thing – as she gazed directly into my eyes, deep into my soul, and bid me an awesome day. My spirits lifted. A positive experience.
