Addressing the Cashier That Made Me Completely Speechless – My Hat's Off to You
The scene was a day of rest, and I was sufficiently irritable, topping off the family car. The location was a typical gas station that operates as a grocery store, meaning there's a chance of ending up in line customers carrying goods of somewhat expensive items. A terrible fate to happen when all you want is to pay for some fuel. Terrible.
My position was fourth among those waiting. There was only employee working, a youthful clerk. There was something unusual about her. After the ditherer at the front of the queue had finally paid for his Viakal, his pastry, and a carton of eggs, It seemed to me that I heard the cashier tell him to have a great day. Unusual. Could be I misunderstood, or maybe she did say it and meant it ironically. I wondered if she might actually be an ally in my battle with dithering, sharing my contempt for people who hold up people just getting gas such as myself.
Advancing next, now third in line. The new leader of the queue finished pumping gas with commendable speed. Again, the phrase came: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” In fact, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. An American? At this location? Her tone suggested it, and no British person tells people a wonderful day, or simply a good day. Very rare. Rarely does one encounter many Americans visiting this town, and definitely not working in petrol stations or anywhere else.
Second in line at last. Behind a poor older woman engaged in a lengthy struggle with her carryall, her purchases, her wallet and her rewards card. The process dragged on. Once completed, she too got told an excellent day. Yes, American for sure. I could have confirmed it by cracking a joke to her, to check for that reaction their typical stare, unsmilingly, and reply with genuine earnest: “You are very amusing.” But I couldn’t think of a jest to utter.
In the end, I embraced for the absolute sincerity – or an impersonation of it, essentially the same as the same thing – as she gazed straight at me, piercingly, and wished me an awesome day. It improved my mood. Beneficial indeed.
