To the Checkout Assistant Who Made Me Completely Wordless – Kudos to You
It was a Sunday morning, and I found myself sufficiently irritable, refueling my mother's vehicle. It was one of those petrol stations that also functions as a grocery store, which often leads of ending up in line customers carrying goods of somewhat expensive items. It's an awful situation to happen when all you want is to complete a simple refueling. Terrible.
I was fourth among those waiting. There was only employee working, a female attendant. A peculiar quality about her. When the faffer at the front of the queue had finally paid for a cleaning product, his pastry, and his box of eggs, I was certain overhearing the cashier bid him a wonderful day. Odd. Maybe it was a mistake, or perhaps she spoke and used a mocking tone. The thought crossed my mind if she could even be a comrade in my fight against faff, echoing my disdain for those who delay straightforward customers including me.
Advancing next, becoming the third customer. The next shopper of the queue discharged her fuel-only transaction with notable efficiency. And there it was again: “Have a wonderful day.” No, actually, it was “have a wonderful day”. An American? At this location? The pronunciation indicated it, and few locals wishes anyone a wonderful day, or simply a good day. Quite out of place. It's uncommon to find many Americans frequenting this area, and definitely not employed at gas stations or elsewhere.
Now I stood second. After an elderly lady dealing with a protracted effort with her carryall, her purchases, her handbag and her rewards card. The process dragged on. After she finished, she as well was wished to have a fantastic day. Clearly an American. Confirming it was possible by saying something hilarious in her direction, to observe that reaction their typical stare, unsmilingly, and say with absolute sincerity: “That’s really funny.” However, nothing occurred of anything hilarious to say.
In the end, I embraced the genuine warmth – or a mimicry of sincerity, that equates to identical in effect – with which she looked me right in the eye, to my very core, and wished me an awesome day. I felt better for it. It was a good thing.
