To the Cashier Who Left Me Totally Wordless – Kudos to You

This occurred on a weekend morning, and I found myself grumpy enough, refueling the family car. It was one of those petrol stations that doubles as a supermarket, so you run the risk of joining a queue customers carrying goods of somewhat expensive items. It's an awful situation to happen when your only desire is to complete a simple refueling. Awful.

My position was fourth in the queue. There was only employee working, a youthful clerk. A peculiar quality about her. When the faffer at the head of the line had at last settled for his purchases, his pastry, and some breakfast items, It seemed to me I heard the cashier wish him to have a great day. Odd. Perhaps I’d misheard, or possibly she uttered it and was being sarcastic. I wondered if she could even be a comrade in my battle with dithering, reflecting my irritation for those who delay straightforward customers including me.

Advancing next, becoming the third customer. The person ahead of our group finished pumping gas with impressive quickness. Once more it happened: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” No, actually, it was “have a wonderful day”. Someone from the US? Here in Stourbridge? Her tone suggested it, and few locals says to others those exact words, or simply a good day. Quite out of place. Rarely does one encounter people from America frequenting this area, and definitely not holding jobs in fueling spots or other places.

Second in line at last. Following a senior shopper engaged in a protracted effort with her basket, her food items, her wallet and her membership pass. It went on for ever. After she finished, she too got told an excellent day. Yes, American for sure. I could have confirmed it by cracking a joke at the cashier, to see if she did that reaction as they gaze at you, unsmilingly, and reply with genuine earnest: “That’s really funny.” But I couldn’t think of anything hilarious to utter.

I just had to settle the heartfelt tone – or a mimicry of sincerity, essentially the same as the same thing – as she gazed straight at me, to my very core, and wished me an awesome day. My spirits lifted. It was a good thing.