To the Cashier That Made Me Totally Wordless – My Hat's Off to You

This occurred on a Sunday morning, and I felt in a foul mood, topping off my mother's vehicle. It was a typical gas station that also functions as a grocery store, which often leads of waiting behind people bearing baskets of pricey provisions. It's an awful situation to unfold when your only desire is to pay for some fuel. Awful.

Fourth in line I stood in the queue. There was only cashier operating, a youthful clerk. A peculiar quality to her presence. Once the slowpoke at the first position had completed payment for a cleaning product, his pastry, and a carton of eggs, I was certain I heard the cashier tell him an excellent day. Strange. Perhaps I’d misheard, or perhaps she spoke and meant it ironically. The thought crossed my mind if she might actually be a supporter in my battle with dithering, sharing my contempt for those who delay straightforward customers including me.

Advancing next, becoming the third customer. The next shopper of our line completed her gasoline purchase with impressive quickness. Again, the phrase came: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” In fact, it was “have a wonderful day”. A stateside native? At this location? Her tone suggested it, and hardly anyone here says to others a wonderful day, or merely a pleasant day. Highly unusual. You don’t get many Americans knocking around Stourbridge, and definitely not working in petrol stations or elsewhere.

Second in line at last. Behind a poor older woman dealing with a lengthy struggle with her basket, her groceries, her handbag and her rewards card. This took an eternity. Once completed, she too received the wish to have a fantastic day. Clearly an American. Confirming it was possible by making a witty remark to her, to see if she did that reaction their typical stare, without a smile, and reply with genuine earnest: “You are very amusing.” But I couldn’t think of a jest to express.

I just had to settle the heartfelt tone – or a performance of it, essentially the same as the same thing – as she gazed directly into my eyes, to my very core, and bid me an awesome day. It improved my mood. A positive experience.