Addressing the Cashier Who Left Me Absolutely Without Words – My Hat's Off to You

It was a weekend morning, and I was in a foul mood, topping off my mum’s car. The location was a typical gas station that operates as a grocery store, which often leads of waiting behind customers carrying goods of pricey provisions. This is a dreadful thing to unfold when the sole aim is to get gasoline and leave. Dreadful.

Fourth in line I stood among those waiting. There was only cashier operating, a youthful clerk. Something stood out to her presence. When the faffer at the front of the queue had completed payment for a cleaning product, a baked snack, and his box of eggs, I was certain that I heard the cashier bid him an excellent 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 comrade in the war on delays, sharing my contempt for those who delay people just getting gas including me.

Advancing next, to third in the queue. The person ahead of our group completed her gasoline purchase with notable efficiency. Once more it happened: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” To be precise, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. A stateside native? Here in Stourbridge? The pronunciation indicated it, and no British person wishes anyone those exact words, or even just a nice day. Highly unusual. Rarely does one encounter people from America knocking around Stourbridge, and definitely not employed at gas stations or other places.

I was second now. After an elderly lady dealing with a lengthy struggle with her carryall, her food items, her purse and her loyalty card. The process dragged on. When she was done, she as well received the wish to have a fantastic day. Definitely from the US. I could have confirmed it by making a witty remark in her direction, to observe that response when they look at you, stoically, and state very earnestly: “That is quite humorous.” Yet no idea came of a jest to say.

I just had to settle the heartfelt tone – or a performance of it, that equates to identical in effect – as she gazed directly into my eyes, to my very core, and told me to have a great day. My spirits lifted. Beneficial indeed.