For the Store Clerk That Made Me Totally Without Words – Kudos to You

It was a weekend morning, and I felt sufficiently irritable, topping off my mother's vehicle. It was one of those petrol stations that doubles as a convenience store, meaning there's a chance of ending up in line people bearing baskets of slightly overpriced groceries. It's an awful situation to unfold when your only desire is to get gasoline and leave. Terrible.

I was fourth in the queue. Just one employee working, a youthful clerk. Something stood out to her presence. After the ditherer at the front of the queue had finally paid for his purchases, his pastry, and some breakfast items, I could have sworn overhearing the cashier bid him a wonderful day. Strange. Maybe it was a mistake, or maybe she did say it and was being sarcastic. I pondered if perhaps she was a supporter in my fight against faff, sharing my contempt for those who delay simple fuel-buyers including me.

I moved up, becoming the third customer. The next shopper of the queue finished pumping gas with commendable speed. Once more it happened: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” In fact, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. An American? Here in Stourbridge? Her tone suggested it, and no British person wishes anyone those exact words, or even just a nice day. Highly unusual. Rarely does one encounter many Americans visiting this town, certainly not working in petrol stations or other places.

Now I stood second. Behind a poor older woman dealing with a right old battle with her carryall, her groceries, her handbag and her loyalty card. The process dragged on. When she was done, she too received the wish to have a fantastic day. Clearly an American. I could have confirmed it by making a witty remark to her, to see if she did that response when they look at you, without a smile, and say with absolute sincerity: “You are very amusing.” But I couldn’t think of a jest to say.

In the end, I embraced for the absolute sincerity – or a performance of it, essentially the same as no different – while she stared directly into my eyes, piercingly, and bid me an awesome day. My spirits lifted. Beneficial indeed.