Addressing the Cashier That Made Me Absolutely Without Words – I Salute You
The scene was a Sunday morning, and I was in a foul mood, refueling my mum’s car. The location was one of those petrol stations that operates as a grocery store, which often leads of waiting behind people bearing baskets of slightly overpriced groceries. A terrible fate to occur when your only desire is to complete a simple refueling. Awful.
Fourth in line I stood among those waiting. Just one cashier operating, a young woman. There was something unusual about her. After the ditherer at the first position had finally paid for a cleaning product, a baked snack, and a carton of eggs, I was certain overhearing the cashier wish him to have a great day. Odd. Maybe it was a mistake, or possibly she uttered it and used a mocking tone. I wondered if perhaps she was a supporter in the war on delays, reflecting my irritation for people who hold up simple fuel-buyers including me.
Taking a step forward, to third in the queue. The new leader of the queue finished pumping gas with impressive quickness. And there it was again: “Have a wonderful day.” In fact, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. Someone from the US? Here in Stourbridge? She had the accent, and few locals says to others such a cheerful phrase, or simply a good day. Highly unusual. Rarely does one encounter US citizens frequenting this area, certainly not employed at gas stations or elsewhere.
Second in line at last. Following a senior shopper embroiled in a right old battle with her carryall, her food items, her wallet and her membership pass. This took an eternity. After she finished, she too was wished a wonderful day. Clearly an American. Confirming it was possible by cracking a joke to her, to check for that response as they gaze at you, without a smile, and reply with genuine earnest: “That’s really funny.” Yet no idea came of anything hilarious to say.
I just had to settle the heartfelt tone – or an impersonation of it, which amounts to the same thing – as she gazed straight at me, deep into my soul, and wished me an awesome day. It improved my mood. It was a good thing.
