Addressing the Store Clerk That Made Me Completely Wordless – Kudos to You
It was a weekend morning, and I felt in a foul mood, refueling my mum’s car. This was one of those petrol stations that doubles as a supermarket, so you run the risk of ending up in line customers carrying goods of pricey provisions. It's an awful situation to unfold when the sole aim is to get gasoline and leave. Terrible.
I was fourth in the waiting line. Just one employee working, a female attendant. A peculiar quality to her presence. After the ditherer at the head of the line had completed payment for his purchases, his sausage roll, and a carton of eggs, I could have sworn that I heard the cashier tell him an excellent day. Strange. Maybe it was a mistake, or possibly she uttered it and meant it ironically. I wondered if perhaps she was an ally in my battle with dithering, sharing my contempt for those who delay people just getting gas like me.
Advancing next, to third in the queue. The person ahead of our line completed her gasoline purchase with impressive quickness. Once more it happened: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” No, actually, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. Someone from the US? In Stourbridge? The pronunciation indicated it, and no British person says to others a wonderful day, or simply a good day. Highly unusual. Rarely does one encounter many Americans frequenting this area, least of all holding jobs in fueling spots or elsewhere.
Second in line at last. Following a senior shopper dealing with a right old battle with her carryall, her food items, her purse and her rewards card. This took an eternity. After she finished, she too was wished a wonderful day. Clearly an American. I could have confirmed it by saying something hilarious to her, to see if she did that response as they gaze at you, unsmilingly, and state very earnestly: “That’s really funny.” However, nothing occurred of a jest to utter.
I just had to settle for the absolute sincerity – or an impersonation of it, which amounts to the same thing – while she stared straight at me, deep into my soul, and wished me an awesome day. It improved my mood. Beneficial indeed.
