Addressing the Checkout Assistant Who Made Me Absolutely Without Words – My Hat's Off to You

It was a day of rest, and I found myself grumpy enough, topping off the family car. This was a typical gas station that doubles as a convenience store, meaning there's a chance of waiting behind people bearing baskets of somewhat expensive items. This is a dreadful thing to occur when your only desire is to pay for some fuel. Terrible.

Fourth in line I stood in the waiting line. There was only employee working, a young woman. There was something unusual in her demeanor. Once the slowpoke at the front of the queue had at last settled for his purchases, his sausage roll, and his box of eggs, I could have sworn overhearing the cashier bid him to have a great day. Odd. Could be I misunderstood, or possibly she uttered it and used a mocking tone. I pondered if she could even be an ally in the war on delays, sharing my contempt for those who delay simple fuel-buyers including me.

I moved up, becoming the third customer. The new leader of our group completed her gasoline purchase with notable efficiency. Again, the phrase came: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” To be precise, it was “have a wonderful day”. A stateside native? Here in Stourbridge? Her tone suggested it, and few locals tells people a wonderful day, or simply a good day. Quite out of place. Rarely does one encounter people from America frequenting this area, certainly not employed at gas stations or anywhere else.

I was second now. After an elderly lady dealing with a right old battle with her basket, her food items, her wallet and her membership pass. This took an eternity. Once completed, she too was wished an excellent day. Yes, American for sure. Confirming it was possible by making a witty remark at the cashier, to check for that thing as they gaze at you, stoically, and reply with genuine earnest: “That’s really funny.” However, nothing occurred of anything hilarious to say.

Ultimately, I accepted the genuine warmth – or a performance of it, that equates to the same thing – with which she looked me right in the eye, piercingly, and bid me an awesome day. My spirits lifted. Beneficial indeed.