For the Cashier That Left Me Completely Wordless – My Hat's Off to You
It was a day of rest, and I found myself grumpy enough, topping off my mum’s car. It was one of those petrol stations that operates as a convenience store, which often leads of ending up in line shoppers with carts of pricey provisions. This is a dreadful thing to unfold when your only desire is to get gasoline and leave. Dreadful.
My position was fourth in the waiting line. There was only employee working, a female attendant. A peculiar quality to her presence. When the faffer at the head of the line had completed payment for a cleaning product, a baked snack, and a carton of eggs, I could have sworn that I heard the cashier bid him an excellent day. Unusual. Maybe it was a mistake, or perhaps she spoke and meant it ironically. I pondered if she could even be an ally in my battle with dithering, echoing my disdain for individuals slowing down people just getting gas like me.
Advancing next, now third in line. The person ahead of the queue discharged her fuel-only transaction with impressive quickness. And there it was again: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” To be precise, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. Someone from the US? At this location? Her tone suggested it, and no British person wishes anyone those exact words, or even just a nice day. Quite out of place. Rarely does one encounter US citizens frequenting this area, and definitely not holding jobs in fueling spots or anywhere else.
Second in line at last. Following a senior shopper engaged in a protracted effort with her shopping cart, her groceries, her purse and her rewards card. It went on for ever. After she finished, the woman also got told to have a fantastic day. Clearly an American. I might have verified it by making a witty remark in her direction, to see if she did that thing when they look at you, without a smile, and reply with genuine earnest: “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 the same thing – with which she looked directly into my eyes, deep into my soul, and wished me a wonderful day. I felt better for it. A positive experience.
