To the Store Clerk Who Left Me Completely Speechless – Kudos to You

This occurred on a weekend morning, and I was in a foul mood, topping off my mum’s car. This was one of those petrol stations that also functions as a convenience store, meaning there's a chance of waiting behind shoppers with carts of slightly overpriced groceries. A terrible fate to unfold when your only desire is to get gasoline and leave. Dreadful.

I was fourth in the waiting line. A single cashier operating, a youthful clerk. There was something unusual about her. After the ditherer at the head of the line had completed payment for a cleaning product, a baked snack, and his box of eggs, It seemed to me I heard the cashier wish him to have a great day. Unusual. Maybe it was a mistake, or maybe she did say it and meant it ironically. I wondered if perhaps she was a comrade in the war on delays, echoing my disdain for people who hold up people just getting gas including me.

I moved up, now third in line. The next shopper of our group completed her gasoline purchase with notable efficiency. Once more it happened: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” To be precise, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. An American? In Stourbridge? Her tone suggested it, and few locals wishes anyone such a cheerful phrase, or merely a pleasant day. Highly unusual. You don’t get people from America knocking around Stourbridge, least of all working in petrol stations or other places.

I was second now. Behind a poor older woman embroiled in a protracted effort with her shopping cart, her food items, her wallet and her rewards card. This took an eternity. Once completed, she as well received the wish to have a fantastic day. Yes, American for sure. I could have confirmed it by saying something hilarious to her, to check for that reaction when they look at you, without a smile, and reply with genuine earnest: “That is quite humorous.” However, nothing occurred of a funny comment to utter.

In the end, I embraced for the absolute sincerity – or a mimicry of sincerity, that equates to the same thing – while she stared directly into my eyes, to my very core, and told me an awesome day. My spirits lifted. Beneficial indeed.