To the Checkout Assistant Who Made Me Totally Speechless – Kudos to You
The scene was a day of rest, and I found myself grumpy enough, refueling my mum’s car. It was a typical gas station that also functions as a supermarket, which often leads of joining a queue people bearing baskets of pricey provisions. This is a dreadful thing to unfold when your only desire is to pay for some fuel. Terrible.
My position was fourth among those waiting. There was only employee working, a female attendant. There was something unusual about her. After the ditherer at the first position had finally paid for a cleaning product, a baked snack, and some breakfast items, I was certain that I heard the cashier wish him a wonderful day. Strange. Could be I misunderstood, or perhaps she spoke and was being sarcastic. The thought crossed my mind if she could even be an ally in my fight against faff, reflecting my irritation for individuals slowing down straightforward customers including me.
Taking a step forward, to third in the queue. The new leader of our line discharged her fuel-only transaction with impressive quickness. 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? She had the accent, and few locals tells people a wonderful day, or even just a nice day. Highly unusual. You don’t get many Americans knocking around Stourbridge, certainly not holding jobs in fueling spots or elsewhere.
Second in line at last. Behind a poor older woman dealing with a right old battle with her shopping cart, her purchases, her handbag and her loyalty card. The process dragged on. After she finished, the woman also was wished a wonderful day. Yes, American for sure. Confirming it was possible by making a witty remark in her direction, to see if she did that response when they look at you, without a smile, and say with absolute sincerity: “That is quite humorous.” Yet no idea came of a jest to express.
I just had to settle the genuine warmth – or a performance of it, that equates to identical in effect – with which she looked directly into my eyes, piercingly, and wished me an awesome day. My spirits lifted. A positive experience.
