Addressing the Store Clerk That Left Me Absolutely Wordless – My Hat's Off to You
The scene was a weekend morning, and I was sufficiently irritable, topping off the family car. It was one of those petrol stations that doubles as a grocery store, which often leads of joining a queue customers carrying goods of somewhat expensive items. A terrible fate to happen when all you want is to complete a simple refueling. Awful.
I was fourth among those waiting. There was only employee working, a young woman. There was something unusual in her demeanor. After the ditherer at the front of the queue had finally paid for his Viakal, a baked snack, and some breakfast items, I could have sworn overhearing the cashier tell him to have a great day. Strange. Maybe it was a mistake, or possibly she uttered it and meant it ironically. I wondered if perhaps she was a supporter in my fight against faff, reflecting my irritation for those who delay straightforward customers including me.
Advancing next, now third in line. The person ahead of our line finished pumping gas with commendable speed. Once more it happened: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” To be precise, it was “have a wonderful day”. A stateside native? Here in Stourbridge? The pronunciation indicated it, and no British person wishes anyone those exact words, or simply a good day. Highly unusual. Rarely does one encounter US citizens frequenting this area, certainly not working in petrol stations or elsewhere.
Now I stood second. Behind a poor older woman embroiled in a right old battle with her shopping cart, her groceries, her handbag and her rewards card. It went on for ever. Once completed, she as well got told to have a fantastic day. Yes, American for sure. I might have verified it by cracking a joke to her, to observe that response as they gaze at you, without a smile, and reply with genuine earnest: “That is quite humorous.” Yet no idea came of a jest to express.
I just had to settle the heartfelt tone – or a mimicry of sincerity, essentially the same as identical in effect – while she stared straight at me, piercingly, and bid me to have a great day. I felt better for it. Beneficial indeed.
