To the Cashier That Made Me Completely Speechless – My Hat's Off to You
It was a day of rest, and I was in a foul mood, filling up my mother's vehicle. It was one of those petrol stations that operates as a grocery store, meaning there's a chance of ending up in line shoppers with carts of somewhat expensive items. A terrible fate to occur when the sole aim is to pay for some fuel. Dreadful.
I was fourth among those waiting. A single person serving, a young woman. There was something unusual in her demeanor. When the faffer at the head of the line had completed payment for a cleaning product, his sausage roll, and his box of eggs, I could have sworn overhearing the cashier tell him an excellent day. Odd. Maybe it was a mistake, or possibly she uttered it and was being sarcastic. I pondered if she might actually be a supporter in my fight against faff, echoing my disdain for people who hold up people just getting gas such as myself.
Advancing next, becoming the third customer. The next shopper of the queue completed her gasoline purchase with impressive quickness. Again, the phrase came: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” In fact, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. Someone from the US? In Stourbridge? The pronunciation indicated it, and no British person tells people a wonderful day, or simply a good day. Highly unusual. It's uncommon to find US citizens visiting this town, and definitely not holding jobs in fueling spots or elsewhere.
I was second now. After an elderly lady dealing with a right old battle with her basket, her groceries, her purse and her rewards card. It went on for ever. After she finished, she too received the wish to have a fantastic day. Yes, American for sure. Confirming it was possible by saying something hilarious in her direction, to observe that reaction when they look at you, without a smile, and reply with genuine earnest: “You are very amusing.” Yet no idea came of anything hilarious to say.
In the end, I embraced for the absolute sincerity – or a performance of it, which amounts to no different – with which she looked me right in the eye, deep into my soul, and told me an awesome day. My spirits lifted. Beneficial indeed.