To the Cashier That Left Me Absolutely Without Words – My Hat's Off to You

It was a Sunday morning, and I found myself in a foul mood, refueling my mother's vehicle. This was one of those petrol stations that operates as a supermarket, which often leads of joining a queue people bearing baskets of slightly overpriced groceries. A terrible fate to happen when all you want is to complete a simple refueling. Dreadful.

My position was fourth in the waiting line. A single person serving, a youthful clerk. A peculiar quality in her demeanor. Once the slowpoke at the head of the line had finally paid for his Viakal, a baked snack, and his box of eggs, It seemed to me I heard the cashier wish him a wonderful day. Unusual. Perhaps I’d misheard, or maybe she did say it and used a mocking tone. I wondered if perhaps she was a comrade in the war on delays, sharing my contempt for individuals slowing down simple fuel-buyers including me.

Taking a step forward, becoming the third customer. The new leader of the queue finished pumping gas with notable efficiency. And there it was again: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” In fact, 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 a wonderful day, or simply a good day. Quite out of place. It's uncommon to find US citizens frequenting this area, least of all holding jobs in fueling spots or elsewhere.

Now I stood second. Following a senior shopper embroiled in a protracted effort with her basket, her purchases, her purse and her rewards card. The process dragged on. When she was done, she as well received the wish to have a fantastic day. Yes, American for sure. I might have verified it by making a witty remark in her direction, to observe that thing as they gaze at you, unsmilingly, and state very earnestly: “That’s really funny.” But I couldn’t think of anything hilarious to express.

I just had to settle the heartfelt tone – or an impersonation of it, essentially the same as no different – as she gazed directly into my eyes, piercingly, and wished me an awesome day. It improved my mood. A positive experience.