For the Checkout Assistant That Left Me Completely Speechless – I Salute You
It was a Sunday morning, and I found myself in a foul mood, refueling my mum’s car. It was one of those petrol stations that operates as a convenience store, meaning there's a chance of waiting behind shoppers with carts of pricey provisions. It's an awful situation to unfold when your only desire is to pay for some fuel. Dreadful.
Fourth in line I stood in the queue. Just one employee working, a youthful clerk. Something stood out in her demeanor. Once the slowpoke at the first position had finally paid for a cleaning product, a baked snack, and his box of eggs, It seemed to me that I heard the cashier tell him a wonderful day. Strange. Maybe it was a mistake, or perhaps she spoke and used a mocking tone. I pondered if she could even be a comrade in my fight against faff, reflecting my irritation for those who delay simple fuel-buyers including me.
Advancing next, becoming the third customer. The person ahead of our group completed her gasoline purchase with impressive quickness. Once more it happened: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” In fact, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. An American? At this location? She had the accent, and hardly anyone here tells people such a cheerful phrase, or even just a nice day. Highly unusual. Rarely does one encounter many Americans frequenting this area, least of all working in petrol stations or anywhere else.
Second in line at last. After an elderly lady engaged in a right old battle with her basket, her food items, her purse and her loyalty card. It went on for ever. When she was done, she as well got told an excellent day. Clearly an American. I might have verified it by saying something hilarious to her, to check for that response when they look at you, unsmilingly, and state very earnestly: “You are very amusing.” But I couldn’t think of a funny comment to say.
Ultimately, I accepted for the absolute sincerity – or an impersonation of it, which amounts to no different – with which she looked directly into my eyes, to my very core, and told me to have a great day. I felt better for it. A positive experience.
