Addressing the Store Clerk That Left Me Completely Wordless – Kudos to You
It was a Sunday morning, and I felt in a foul mood, filling up my mum’s car. This was a common fuel stop that also functions as a grocery store, which often leads of ending up in line customers carrying goods of somewhat expensive items. A terrible fate to unfold when the sole aim is to get gasoline and leave. Awful.
Fourth in line I stood in the waiting line. There was only person serving, a youthful clerk. A peculiar quality in her demeanor. When the faffer at the first position had completed payment for his Viakal, his sausage roll, and his box of eggs, I was certain that I heard the cashier bid him an excellent day. Strange. Perhaps I’d misheard, or possibly she uttered it and used a mocking tone. The thought crossed my mind if perhaps she was an ally in my fight against faff, echoing my disdain for individuals slowing down straightforward customers including me.
Advancing next, to third in the queue. The person ahead of our line completed her gasoline purchase with notable efficiency. Again, the phrase came: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” No, actually, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. Someone from the US? In Stourbridge? She had the accent, and hardly anyone here wishes anyone such a cheerful phrase, or simply a good day. Quite out of place. Rarely does one encounter US citizens visiting this town, and definitely not holding jobs in fueling spots or anywhere else.
I was second now. Following a senior shopper embroiled in a lengthy struggle with her shopping cart, her purchases, her handbag and her membership pass. This took an eternity. Once completed, the woman also got told a wonderful day. Yes, American for sure. Confirming it was possible by making a witty remark at the cashier, to see if she did that thing when they look at you, without a smile, and state very earnestly: “You are very amusing.” However, nothing occurred of a funny comment to utter.
Ultimately, I accepted for the absolute sincerity – or a performance of it, essentially the same as the same thing – while she stared straight at me, piercingly, and bid me a wonderful day. My spirits lifted. It was a good thing.
