Addressing the Checkout Assistant That Made Me Totally Speechless – Kudos to You

The scene was a day of rest, and I found myself sufficiently irritable, refueling my mum’s car. This was one of those petrol stations that doubles as a supermarket, meaning there's a chance of ending up in line people bearing baskets of pricey provisions. A terrible fate to unfold when your only desire is to pay for some fuel. Terrible.

My position was fourth in the waiting line. There was only employee working, a youthful clerk. Something stood out to her presence. When the faffer at the front of the queue had completed payment for a cleaning product, a baked snack, and a carton of eggs, It seemed to me I heard the cashier bid him to have a great day. Strange. Could be I misunderstood, or perhaps she spoke and was being sarcastic. The thought crossed my mind if she might actually be a comrade in my battle with dithering, sharing my contempt for those who delay people just getting gas like me.

Advancing next, to third in the queue. The next shopper of the queue finished pumping gas with notable efficiency. Once more it happened: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” In fact, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. A stateside native? In Stourbridge? The pronunciation indicated it, and hardly anyone here says to others those exact words, or simply a good day. Quite out of place. You don’t get US citizens frequenting this area, least of all holding jobs in fueling spots or other places.

I was second now. After an elderly lady dealing with a protracted effort with her basket, her groceries, her handbag and her loyalty card. This took an eternity. When she was done, the woman also got told to have a fantastic day. Yes, American for sure. I might have verified it by making a witty remark to her, to check for that thing their typical stare, without a smile, and state very earnestly: “You are very amusing.” However, nothing occurred of a funny comment to say.

In the end, I embraced for the absolute sincerity – or a mimicry of sincerity, essentially the same as the same thing – with which she looked me right in the eye, deep into my soul, and told me a wonderful day. I felt better for it. Beneficial indeed.