For the Checkout Assistant Who Left Me Absolutely Without Words – Kudos to You
The scene was a weekend morning, and I was grumpy enough, refueling my mum’s car. It was one of those petrol stations that doubles as a supermarket, so you run the risk of waiting behind people bearing baskets of somewhat expensive items. A terrible fate to occur when the sole aim is to complete a simple refueling. Dreadful.
My position was fourth in the waiting line. Just one person serving, a young woman. A peculiar quality about her. Once the slowpoke at the front of the queue had at last settled for his purchases, his pastry, and some breakfast items, I could have sworn that I heard the cashier tell him a wonderful day. Odd. Maybe it was a mistake, or maybe she did say it and meant it ironically. The thought crossed my mind if perhaps she was a comrade in my fight against faff, reflecting my irritation for individuals slowing down straightforward customers such as myself.
Advancing next, becoming the third customer. The new leader of our group completed her gasoline purchase with impressive quickness. Once more it happened: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” In fact, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. Someone from the US? At this location? The pronunciation indicated it, and no British person tells people such a cheerful phrase, or even just a nice day. Quite out of place. Rarely does one encounter many Americans frequenting this area, and definitely not holding jobs in fueling spots or elsewhere.
Now I stood second. Behind a poor older woman dealing with a protracted effort with her shopping cart, her purchases, her wallet and her membership pass. The process dragged on. When she was done, she too got told to have a fantastic day. Clearly an American. I could have confirmed it by saying something hilarious to her, to check for that response their typical stare, stoically, and state very earnestly: “That is quite humorous.” Yet no idea came of a jest to say.
In the end, I embraced the heartfelt tone – or a performance of it, which amounts to the same thing – while she stared directly into my eyes, deep into my soul, and wished me to have a great day. My spirits lifted. It was a good thing.
