To the Checkout Assistant That Left Me Completely Without Words – I Salute You

This occurred on a Sunday morning, and I felt in a foul mood, topping off my mum’s car. This was a typical gas station that operates as a supermarket, meaning there's a chance of joining a queue customers carrying goods of somewhat expensive items. A terrible fate to occur when your only desire is to pay for some fuel. Dreadful.

I was fourth among those waiting. There was only employee working, a youthful clerk. Something stood out in her demeanor. After the ditherer at the head of the line had at last settled for his purchases, his sausage roll, and a carton of eggs, I could have sworn that I heard the cashier wish him a wonderful day. Unusual. Perhaps I’d misheard, or possibly she uttered it and was being sarcastic. I wondered if she could even be an ally in the war on delays, sharing my contempt for people who hold up simple fuel-buyers such as myself.

Advancing next, to third in the queue. The next shopper of our line discharged her fuel-only transaction with notable efficiency. Again, the phrase came: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” No, actually, it was “have a wonderful day”. A stateside native? Here in Stourbridge? She had the accent, and hardly anyone here says to others a wonderful day, or simply a good day. Highly unusual. Rarely does one encounter people from America visiting this town, certainly not employed at gas stations or elsewhere.

I was second now. Behind a poor older woman embroiled in a lengthy struggle with her basket, her groceries, her handbag and her loyalty card. It went on for ever. After she finished, the woman also was wished to have a fantastic day. Clearly an American. Confirming it was possible by making a witty remark at the cashier, to see if she did that response their typical stare, stoically, and say with absolute sincerity: “That’s really funny.” But I couldn’t think of a jest to utter.

Ultimately, I accepted the heartfelt tone – or an impersonation of it, that equates to no different – with which she looked straight at me, deep into my soul, and wished me a wonderful day. It improved my mood. Beneficial indeed.