To the Checkout Assistant That Made Me Absolutely Wordless – Kudos to You
The scene was a weekend morning, and I was in a foul mood, filling up my mum’s car. It was a common fuel stop that doubles as a grocery store, meaning there's a chance of joining a queue customers carrying goods of somewhat expensive items. A terrible fate to happen when your only desire is to pay for some fuel. Dreadful.
My position was fourth in the queue. Just one person serving, a female attendant. Something stood out to her presence. Once the slowpoke at the head of the line had completed payment for his purchases, a baked snack, and some breakfast items, I could have sworn overhearing the cashier bid him to have a great day. Unusual. Maybe it was a mistake, or maybe she did say it and was being sarcastic. I pondered if she might actually be an ally in my fight against faff, echoing my disdain for those who delay people just getting gas like me.
Advancing next, now third in line. The new leader of our line discharged her fuel-only transaction with impressive quickness. Again, the phrase came: “Have a wonderful day.” No, actually, it was “have a wonderful day”. A stateside native? In Stourbridge? Her tone suggested it, and no British person says to others those exact words, or even just a nice day. Quite out of place. You don’t get US citizens frequenting this area, certainly not employed at gas stations or elsewhere.
Now I stood second. Behind a poor older woman engaged in a right old battle with her basket, her food items, her purse and her rewards card. It went on for ever. Once completed, she as well received the wish to have a fantastic day. Yes, American for sure. I could have confirmed it by making a witty remark in her direction, to observe that thing when they look at you, stoically, and say with absolute sincerity: “That’s really funny.” However, nothing occurred of a funny comment to express.
Ultimately, I accepted the heartfelt tone – or an impersonation of it, which amounts to no different – as she gazed straight at me, to my very core, and bid me a wonderful day. My spirits lifted. A positive experience.
