Addressing the Store Clerk That Made Me Totally Speechless – I Salute You
The scene was a day of rest, and I found myself grumpy enough, topping off my mum’s car. The location was a common fuel stop that also functions as a supermarket, so you run the risk of waiting behind people bearing baskets of pricey provisions. It's an awful situation to occur when the sole aim is to pay for some fuel. Terrible.
I was fourth in the queue. A single cashier operating, a youthful clerk. Something stood out to her presence. Once the slowpoke at the first position had finally paid for his purchases, a baked snack, and his box of eggs, I was certain I heard the cashier tell him a wonderful day. Unusual. Perhaps I’d misheard, or perhaps she spoke and was being sarcastic. I pondered if perhaps she was a comrade in the war on delays, reflecting my irritation for those who delay straightforward customers including me.
Advancing next, to third in the queue. The new leader of our line completed her gasoline purchase with impressive quickness. Again, the phrase came: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” In fact, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. An American? At this location? The pronunciation indicated it, and few locals tells people such a cheerful phrase, or even just a nice day. Quite out of place. It's uncommon to find many Americans visiting this town, and definitely not employed at gas stations or elsewhere.
Second in line at last. After an elderly lady embroiled in a right old battle with her shopping cart, her food items, her handbag and her rewards card. This took an eternity. When she was done, she as well received the wish a wonderful day. Clearly an American. I might have verified it by cracking a joke in her direction, to observe that response when they look at you, unsmilingly, and say with absolute sincerity: “That’s really funny.” However, nothing occurred of a jest to express.
I just had to settle for the absolute sincerity – or a performance of it, that equates to the same thing – as she gazed straight at me, piercingly, and told me a wonderful day. My spirits lifted. Beneficial indeed.
