Addressing the Checkout Assistant Who Made Me Totally Speechless – My Hat's Off to You
The scene was a weekend morning, and I was sufficiently irritable, topping off my mum’s car. This was a typical gas station that also functions as a supermarket, so you run the risk of ending up in line customers carrying goods of slightly overpriced groceries. A terrible fate to unfold when all you want is to get gasoline and leave. Terrible.
Fourth in line I stood in the waiting line. A single person serving, a female attendant. There was something unusual to her presence. After the ditherer at the front of the queue had finally paid for a cleaning product, his pastry, and some breakfast items, I could have sworn that I heard the cashier tell him an excellent day. Odd. Maybe it was a mistake, or possibly she uttered it and used a mocking tone. I wondered if she might actually be a supporter in my battle with dithering, reflecting my irritation for individuals slowing down straightforward customers like me.
Taking a step forward, to third in the queue. The new leader of our line discharged her fuel-only transaction with notable efficiency. And there it was again: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” To be precise, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. An American? In Stourbridge? The pronunciation indicated it, and few locals wishes anyone a wonderful day, or simply a good day. Highly unusual. You don’t get people from America knocking around Stourbridge, certainly not working in petrol stations or elsewhere.
Now I stood second. After an elderly lady embroiled in a protracted effort with her carryall, her groceries, her handbag and her loyalty card. It went on for ever. Once completed, the woman also received the wish a wonderful day. Yes, American for sure. I might have verified it by making a witty remark at the cashier, to observe that response their typical stare, unsmilingly, and say with absolute sincerity: “That is quite humorous.” However, nothing occurred of a jest to say.
I just had to settle the heartfelt tone – or an impersonation of it, that equates to no different – with which she looked straight at me, deep into my soul, and bid me an awesome day. I felt better for it. It was a good thing.