To the Cashier Who Made Me Totally Without Words – Kudos to You
It was a day of rest, and I found myself sufficiently irritable, refueling my mum’s car. The location was a common fuel stop that also functions as a convenience store, meaning there's a chance of waiting behind shoppers with carts of somewhat expensive items. It's an awful situation to unfold when the sole aim is to pay for some fuel. Terrible.
Fourth in line I stood among those waiting. A single cashier operating, a young woman. A peculiar quality to her presence. Once the slowpoke at the first position had finally paid for his Viakal, his pastry, and a carton of eggs, It seemed to me that I heard the cashier wish him an excellent day. Odd. Perhaps I’d misheard, or possibly she uttered it and was being sarcastic. I wondered if perhaps she was a supporter in my battle with dithering, reflecting my irritation for those who delay people just getting gas such as myself.
Taking a step forward, to third in the queue. The person ahead of our line discharged her fuel-only transaction with commendable speed. Again, the phrase came: “Have a wonderful day.” In fact, it was “have a wonderful day”. Someone from the US? At this location? She had the accent, and no British person tells people such a cheerful phrase, or simply a good day. Quite out of place. Rarely does one encounter many Americans visiting this town, least of all working in petrol stations or other places.
Second in line at last. After an elderly lady engaged in a right old battle with her shopping cart, her groceries, her wallet and her loyalty card. It went on for ever. When she was done, she too received the wish a wonderful day. Clearly an American. I might have verified it by cracking a joke to her, to see if she did that thing when they look at you, unsmilingly, and reply with genuine earnest: “That’s really funny.” However, nothing occurred of anything hilarious to say.
In the end, I embraced the heartfelt tone – or an impersonation of it, essentially the same as identical in effect – as she gazed directly into my eyes, deep into my soul, and bid me a wonderful day. It improved my mood. It was a good thing.
