Addressing the Store Clerk That Made Me Totally Wordless – Kudos to You

It was a weekend morning, and I found myself in a foul mood, refueling my mother's vehicle. This was one of those petrol stations that doubles as a convenience store, which often leads of ending up in line people bearing baskets of slightly overpriced groceries. This is a dreadful thing to unfold when all you want is to get gasoline and leave. Dreadful.

Fourth in line I stood in the waiting line. A single person serving, a young woman. A peculiar quality to her presence. After the ditherer at the first position had completed payment for his Viakal, his pastry, and some breakfast items, It seemed to me overhearing the cashier wish him a wonderful day. Strange. Could be I misunderstood, or maybe she did say it and used a mocking tone. I pondered if perhaps she was an ally in the war on delays, sharing my contempt for those who delay simple fuel-buyers such as myself.

I moved up, now third in line. The person ahead of our line completed her gasoline purchase with notable efficiency. Again, the phrase came: “Have a wonderful day.” No, actually, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. Someone from the US? Here in Stourbridge? Her tone suggested it, and few locals wishes anyone a wonderful day, or simply a good day. Quite out of place. Rarely does one encounter many Americans visiting this town, least of all holding jobs in fueling spots or anywhere else.

I was second now. Following a senior shopper embroiled in a protracted effort with her shopping cart, her groceries, her wallet and her rewards card. The process dragged on. Once completed, she too was wished to have a fantastic day. Yes, American for sure. Confirming it was possible by making a witty remark in her direction, to see if she did that reaction when they look at you, without a smile, and reply with genuine earnest: “You are very amusing.” However, nothing occurred of a funny comment to express.

I just had to settle the genuine warmth – or an impersonation of it, that equates to no different – while she stared straight at me, piercingly, and told me an awesome day. My spirits lifted. It was a good thing.