Addressing the Store Clerk Who Left Me Completely Without Words – I Salute You

It was a weekend morning, and I felt in a foul mood, refueling my mother's vehicle. It was a common fuel stop that operates as a convenience store, so you run the risk of ending up in line shoppers with carts of pricey provisions. A terrible fate to unfold when the sole aim is to pay for some fuel. Terrible.

I was fourth among those waiting. A single employee working, a youthful clerk. A peculiar quality to her presence. When the faffer at the front of the queue had completed payment for his purchases, a baked snack, and a carton of eggs, I could have sworn that I heard the cashier wish him to have a great day. Unusual. Maybe it was a mistake, or possibly she uttered it and meant it ironically. I wondered if she might actually be a supporter in the war on delays, sharing my contempt for individuals slowing down straightforward customers including me.

Taking a step forward, now third in line. The new leader of our group finished pumping gas with impressive quickness. Once more it happened: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” In fact, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. A stateside native? Here in Stourbridge? The pronunciation indicated it, and few locals tells people a wonderful day, or simply a good day. Quite out of place. It's uncommon to find US citizens knocking around Stourbridge, least of all employed at gas stations or anywhere else.

Now I stood second. Behind a poor older woman engaged in a protracted effort with her carryall, her purchases, her purse and her membership pass. This took an eternity. Once completed, she as well got told an excellent day. Clearly an American. Confirming it was possible by cracking a joke at the cashier, to observe that response their typical stare, unsmilingly, and reply with genuine earnest: “That’s really funny.” Yet no idea came of anything hilarious to utter.

In the end, I embraced for the absolute sincerity – or a performance of it, that equates to the same thing – as she gazed me right in the eye, to my very core, and told me to have a great day. I felt better for it. A positive experience.