For the Checkout Assistant That Left Me Totally Without Words – I Salute You
This occurred on a weekend morning, and I felt in a foul mood, refueling my mum’s car. The location was a typical gas station that operates as a supermarket, which often leads of joining a queue people bearing baskets of somewhat expensive items. This is a dreadful thing to unfold when all you want is to pay for some fuel. Terrible.
My position was fourth in the queue. A single person serving, a female attendant. A peculiar quality to her presence. Once the slowpoke at the front of the queue had finally paid for his Viakal, his pastry, and some breakfast items, It seemed to me I heard the cashier bid him a wonderful day. Strange. Perhaps I’d misheard, or maybe she did say it and meant it ironically. I pondered if she might actually be a supporter in my fight against faff, reflecting my irritation for people who hold up straightforward customers like me.
Taking a step forward, to third in the queue. The person ahead of our group completed her gasoline purchase with notable efficiency. Again, the phrase came: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” No, actually, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. An American? At this location? She had the accent, and hardly anyone here tells people such a cheerful phrase, or merely a pleasant day. Very rare. It's uncommon to find many Americans visiting this town, and definitely not working in petrol stations or elsewhere.
Now I stood second. Following a senior shopper dealing with a protracted effort with her shopping cart, her purchases, her purse and her rewards card. This took an eternity. When she was done, the woman also was wished to have a fantastic day. Definitely from the US. I could have confirmed it by saying something hilarious in her direction, to check for that reaction when they look at you, unsmilingly, and reply with genuine earnest: “You are very amusing.” But I couldn’t think of a funny comment to express.
In the end, I embraced the genuine warmth – or a mimicry of sincerity, which amounts to identical in effect – with which she looked directly into my eyes, deep into my soul, and told me an awesome day. I felt better for it. It was a good thing.
