For the Cashier Who Made Me Absolutely Speechless – Kudos to You

The scene was a weekend morning, and I was sufficiently irritable, topping off my mum’s car. The location was a common fuel stop that operates as a supermarket, which often leads of joining a queue shoppers with carts of slightly overpriced groceries. It's an awful situation to happen when the sole aim is to complete a simple refueling. Terrible.

I was fourth among those waiting. There was only cashier operating, a female attendant. A peculiar quality in her demeanor. Once the slowpoke at the head of the line had completed payment for his Viakal, his sausage roll, and a carton of eggs, I was certain overhearing the cashier bid him an excellent day. Strange. Could be I misunderstood, or perhaps she spoke and was being sarcastic. I pondered if she could even be a supporter in the war on delays, sharing my contempt for individuals slowing down simple fuel-buyers like me.

Taking a step forward, to third in the queue. The person ahead of the queue finished pumping gas with impressive quickness. Again, the phrase came: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” In fact, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. A stateside native? In Stourbridge? Her tone suggested it, and few locals says to others such a cheerful phrase, or even just a nice day. Highly unusual. Rarely does one encounter people from America frequenting this area, least of all holding jobs in fueling spots or elsewhere.

Second in line at last. Behind a poor older woman dealing with a protracted effort with her basket, her purchases, her handbag and her rewards card. It went on for ever. When she was done, she too was wished to have a fantastic day. Definitely from the US. Confirming it was possible by making a witty remark in her direction, to check for that reaction as they gaze at you, unsmilingly, and state very earnestly: “That’s really funny.” But I couldn’t think of a jest to say.

Ultimately, I accepted for the absolute sincerity – or a mimicry of sincerity, that equates to identical in effect – with which she looked me right in the eye, to my very core, and wished me to have a great day. My spirits lifted. It was a good thing.