Addressing the Cashier That Made Me Absolutely Without Words – My Hat's Off to You
The scene was a day of rest, and I felt grumpy enough, refueling the family car. This was one of those petrol stations that also functions as a convenience store, so you run the risk of ending up in line shoppers with carts of somewhat expensive items. It's an awful situation to happen when your only desire is to get gasoline and leave. Dreadful.
My position was fourth in the waiting line. There was only person serving, a young woman. Something stood out in her demeanor. After the ditherer at the head of the line had finally paid for his Viakal, a baked snack, and a carton of eggs, It seemed to me that I heard the cashier tell him an excellent day. Strange. Could be I misunderstood, or possibly she uttered it and used a mocking tone. I wondered if she might actually be a comrade in the war on delays, reflecting my irritation for those who delay straightforward customers like me.
Advancing next, now third in line. The next shopper of our line finished pumping gas with impressive quickness. Once more it happened: “Have a wonderful day.” In fact, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. An American? In Stourbridge? Her tone suggested it, and hardly anyone here says to others such a cheerful phrase, or simply a good day. Very rare. You don’t get US citizens frequenting this area, and definitely not holding jobs in fueling spots or anywhere else.
I was second now. After an elderly lady dealing with a protracted effort with her basket, her food items, her handbag and her membership pass. The process dragged on. When she was done, the woman also received the wish to have a fantastic day. Yes, American for sure. Confirming it was possible by saying something hilarious to her, to observe that thing their typical stare, unsmilingly, and reply with genuine earnest: “That is quite humorous.” However, nothing occurred of anything hilarious to say.
In the end, I embraced the heartfelt tone – or an impersonation of it, essentially the same as no different – with which she looked straight at me, deep into my soul, and bid me to have a great day. It improved my mood. It was a good thing.
