Addressing the Cashier Who Made Me Totally Speechless – My Hat's Off to You
The scene was a Sunday morning, and I felt sufficiently irritable, refueling my mum’s car. The location was one of those petrol stations that doubles as a convenience store, so you run the risk of waiting behind customers carrying goods of slightly overpriced groceries. It's an awful situation to occur when all you want is to pay for some fuel. Terrible.
My position was fourth among those waiting. There was only employee working, a young woman. Something stood out about her. After the ditherer at the head of the line had finally paid for his purchases, his sausage roll, and a carton of eggs, It seemed to me overhearing the cashier wish him an excellent day. Unusual. Perhaps I’d misheard, or maybe she did say it and used a mocking tone. The thought crossed my mind if she could even be an ally in the war on delays, reflecting my irritation for individuals slowing down people just getting gas like me.
I moved up, becoming the third customer. The next shopper of our line finished pumping gas with commendable speed. Again, the phrase came: “Have a wonderful day.” No, actually, it was “have a wonderful day”. A stateside native? In Stourbridge? She had the accent, and no British person says to others those exact words, or merely a pleasant day. Highly unusual. Rarely does one encounter people from America visiting this town, least of all holding jobs in fueling spots or anywhere else.
Second in line at last. After an elderly lady embroiled in a right old battle with her basket, her groceries, her purse and her membership pass. It went on for ever. Once completed, she as well got told a wonderful day. Yes, American for sure. Confirming it was possible by making a witty remark at the cashier, to observe that response when they look at you, without a smile, and say with absolute sincerity: “That is quite humorous.” Yet no idea came of anything hilarious to say.
I just had to settle for the absolute sincerity – or a performance of it, that equates to identical in effect – while she stared straight at me, deep into my soul, and told me to have a great day. My spirits lifted. A positive experience.
