To the Cashier That Left Me Completely Without Words – I Salute You
It was a weekend morning, and I was grumpy enough, refueling my mum’s car. The location was a common fuel stop that also functions as a supermarket, so you run the risk of waiting behind people bearing baskets of somewhat expensive items. It's an awful situation to unfold when your only desire is to pay for some fuel. Terrible.
Fourth in line I stood in the queue. There was only employee working, a female attendant. There was something unusual in her demeanor. When the faffer at the first position had finally paid for his purchases, his pastry, and a carton of eggs, It seemed to me I heard the cashier tell him an excellent day. Strange. Could be I misunderstood, or perhaps she spoke and meant it ironically. The thought crossed my mind if she could even be a supporter in the war on delays, reflecting my irritation for individuals slowing down people just getting gas like me.
I moved up, to third in the queue. The next shopper of the queue finished pumping gas with impressive quickness. Again, the phrase came: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” To be precise, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. An American? At this location? The pronunciation indicated it, and no British person says to others those exact words, or merely a pleasant day. Highly unusual. You don’t get people from America visiting this town, and definitely not working in petrol stations or elsewhere.
I was second now. Behind a poor older woman dealing with a protracted effort with her basket, her groceries, her handbag and her rewards card. The process dragged on. When she was done, she as well got told an excellent day. Yes, American for sure. I might have verified it by saying something hilarious in her direction, to see if she did that response as they gaze at you, unsmilingly, and say with absolute sincerity: “That is quite humorous.” But I couldn’t think of a jest to express.
In the end, I embraced the genuine warmth – or an impersonation of it, essentially the same as no different – while she stared me right in the eye, piercingly, and bid me a wonderful day. My spirits lifted. It was a good thing.
