To the Checkout Assistant That Made Me Absolutely Without Words – Kudos to You
The scene was a day of rest, and I was sufficiently irritable, topping off my mother's vehicle. It was a typical gas station that doubles as a grocery store, which often leads of ending up in line shoppers with carts of pricey provisions. A terrible fate to unfold when your only desire is to complete a simple refueling. Awful.
I was fourth among those waiting. Just one employee working, a youthful clerk. Something stood out about her. When the faffer at the first position had finally paid for his purchases, a baked snack, and his box of eggs, It seemed to me overhearing the cashier tell him to have a great day. Unusual. Maybe it was a mistake, or perhaps she spoke and used a mocking tone. The thought crossed my mind if perhaps she was a supporter in the war on delays, echoing my disdain for those who delay straightforward customers such as myself.
Taking a step forward, to third in the queue. The person ahead of the queue finished pumping gas with commendable speed. And there it was again: “Wishing you a marvelous 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 even just a nice day. Quite out of place. It's uncommon to find people from America visiting this town, least of all holding jobs in fueling spots or other places.
I was second now. Behind a poor older woman dealing with a lengthy struggle with her basket, her groceries, her handbag and her loyalty card. It went on for ever. After she finished, she too got told to have a fantastic day. Yes, American for sure. Confirming it was possible by cracking a joke in her direction, to see if she did that thing as they gaze at you, without a smile, and reply with genuine earnest: “That is quite humorous.” But I couldn’t think of a jest to say.
In the end, I embraced the genuine warmth – or a performance of it, which amounts to the same thing – with which she looked me right in the eye, to my very core, and told me to have a great day. My spirits lifted. Beneficial indeed.
