Addressing the Store Clerk Who Left Me Totally Speechless – Kudos to You

This occurred on a day of rest, and I found myself sufficiently irritable, filling up the family car. The location was a common fuel stop that doubles as a convenience store, which often leads of joining a queue people bearing baskets of slightly overpriced groceries. It's an awful situation to occur when the sole aim is to get gasoline and leave. Awful.

I was fourth in the queue. There was only employee working, a youthful clerk. Something stood out in her demeanor. When the faffer at the head of the line had at last settled for his Viakal, a baked snack, and a carton of eggs, I could have sworn I heard the cashier wish him to have a great day. Unusual. Maybe it was a mistake, or perhaps she spoke and meant it ironically. I pondered if perhaps she was a supporter in my battle with dithering, sharing my contempt for individuals slowing down people just getting gas such as myself.

Taking a step forward, becoming the third customer. The person ahead of our group discharged her fuel-only transaction with impressive quickness. Again, the phrase came: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” No, actually, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. An American? At this location? The pronunciation indicated it, and no British person says to others a wonderful day, or even just a nice day. Quite out of place. It's uncommon to find people from America frequenting this area, certainly not holding jobs in fueling spots or other places.

I was second now. After an elderly lady embroiled in a protracted effort with her carryall, her food items, her wallet and her loyalty card. This took an eternity. After she finished, she as well received the wish an excellent day. Clearly an American. Confirming it was possible by saying something hilarious to her, to check for that thing as they gaze at you, without a smile, and state very earnestly: “You are very amusing.” But I couldn’t think of anything hilarious to utter.

I just had to settle for the absolute sincerity – or a mimicry of sincerity, that equates to no different – while she stared directly into my eyes, deep into my soul, and told me a wonderful day. It improved my mood. Beneficial indeed.