To the Checkout Assistant Who Left Me Absolutely Speechless – Kudos to You

This occurred on a day of rest, and I felt sufficiently irritable, refueling my mother's vehicle. It was a typical gas station that doubles as a grocery store, so you run the risk of joining a queue people bearing baskets of somewhat expensive items. It's an awful situation to happen when your only desire is to pay for some fuel. Terrible.

My position was fourth in the waiting line. There was only person serving, a young woman. There was something unusual in her demeanor. After the ditherer at the head of the line had at last settled for his Viakal, a baked snack, and his box of eggs, I could have sworn I heard the cashier wish him a wonderful day. Unusual. Perhaps I’d misheard, or maybe she did say it and was being sarcastic. I pondered if she might actually be an ally in my fight against faff, sharing my contempt for individuals slowing down people just getting gas including me.

Taking a step forward, now third in line. The person ahead of the queue finished pumping gas with commendable speed. Once more it happened: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” In fact, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. Someone from the US? In Stourbridge? The pronunciation indicated it, and no British person says to others a wonderful day, or merely a pleasant day. Highly unusual. You don’t get people from America visiting this town, least of all holding jobs in fueling spots or other places.

I was second now. Behind a poor older woman dealing with a lengthy struggle with her carryall, her purchases, her wallet and her loyalty card. The process dragged on. After she finished, the woman also was wished an excellent day. Yes, American for sure. I might have verified it by saying something hilarious at the cashier, to see if she did that response when they look at you, unsmilingly, and state very earnestly: “You are very amusing.” Yet no idea came of a funny comment to say.

Ultimately, I accepted the genuine warmth – or an impersonation of it, essentially the same as no different – while she stared straight at me, deep into my soul, and told me a wonderful day. My spirits lifted. It was a good thing.