For the Store Clerk That Made Me Absolutely Without Words – Kudos to You
It was a day of rest, and I felt sufficiently irritable, refueling my mum’s car. The location was one of those petrol stations that doubles as a supermarket, meaning there's a chance of waiting behind people bearing baskets of slightly overpriced groceries. This is a dreadful thing to happen when your only desire is to complete a simple refueling. Terrible.
My position was fourth among those waiting. Just one person serving, a young woman. A peculiar quality in her demeanor. Once the slowpoke at the head of the line had finally paid for his Viakal, a baked snack, and his box of eggs, It seemed to me I heard the cashier wish him to have a great day. Odd. Maybe it was a mistake, or maybe she did say it and meant it ironically. The thought crossed my mind if perhaps she was a supporter in the war on delays, echoing my disdain for individuals slowing down simple fuel-buyers such as myself.
Advancing next, now third in line. The next shopper of our group finished pumping gas with impressive quickness. And there it was again: “Have a wonderful day.” In fact, it was “have a wonderful day”. Someone from the US? At this location? Her tone suggested it, and hardly anyone here says to others those exact words, or even just a nice day. Highly unusual. You don’t get people from America frequenting this area, and definitely not holding jobs in fueling spots or anywhere else.
I was second now. After an elderly lady embroiled in a protracted effort with her basket, her purchases, her wallet and her rewards card. The process dragged on. Once completed, she as well was wished to have a fantastic day. Clearly an American. I might have verified it by saying something hilarious in her direction, to observe that thing when they look at you, stoically, and reply with genuine earnest: “That’s really funny.” Yet no idea came of a jest to express.
I just had to settle the genuine warmth – or a mimicry of sincerity, that equates to no different – as she gazed me right in the eye, deep into my soul, and wished me an awesome day. My spirits lifted. A positive experience.
