Addressing the Cashier Who Left Me Completely Speechless – I Salute You
It was a day of rest, and I found myself grumpy enough, filling up the family car. The location was one of those petrol stations that operates as a grocery store, meaning there's a chance of waiting behind people bearing baskets of slightly overpriced groceries. A terrible fate to happen when all you want is to complete a simple refueling. Dreadful.
Fourth in line I stood among those waiting. There was only cashier operating, a young woman. Something stood out in her demeanor. When the faffer at the first position had at last settled for his purchases, his pastry, and a carton of eggs, I was certain I heard the cashier tell him to have a great day. Strange. Could be I misunderstood, or maybe she did say it and was being sarcastic. I pondered if perhaps she was an ally in my fight against faff, echoing my disdain for people who hold up straightforward customers such as myself.
Advancing next, to third in the queue. The next shopper of our group completed her gasoline purchase with commendable speed. Again, the phrase came: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” No, actually, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. Someone from the US? At this location? She had the accent, and few locals tells people such a cheerful phrase, or simply a good day. Very rare. Rarely does one encounter people from America frequenting this area, least of all working in petrol stations or other places.
Second in line at last. After an elderly lady engaged in a lengthy struggle with her shopping cart, her groceries, her wallet and her membership pass. It went on for ever. Once completed, she as well received the wish a wonderful day. Yes, American for sure. Confirming it was possible by making a witty remark in her direction, to see if she did that thing as they gaze at you, unsmilingly, and say with absolute sincerity: “You are very amusing.” But I couldn’t think of anything hilarious to express.
In the end, I embraced the genuine warmth – or a performance of it, that equates to identical in effect – while she stared directly into my eyes, to my very core, and told me an awesome day. It improved my mood. It was a good thing.
