For the Checkout Assistant Who Left Me Completely Without Words – My Hat's Off to You

This occurred on a Sunday morning, and I felt in a foul mood, refueling my mother's vehicle. It was a common fuel stop that doubles as a supermarket, meaning there's a chance of joining a queue shoppers with carts of somewhat expensive items. This is a dreadful thing to happen when your only desire is to get gasoline and leave. Terrible.

I was fourth in the waiting line. A single person serving, a female attendant. A peculiar quality to her presence. Once the slowpoke at the first position had completed payment for a cleaning product, his sausage roll, and his box of eggs, I was certain overhearing the cashier tell him to have a great day. Unusual. Perhaps I’d misheard, or perhaps she spoke and was being sarcastic. I wondered if perhaps she was an ally in my battle with dithering, echoing my disdain for those who delay straightforward customers such as myself.

Advancing next, to third in the queue. The new leader of our group completed her gasoline purchase with notable efficiency. Again, the phrase came: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” In fact, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. A stateside native? Here in Stourbridge? She had the accent, and few locals says to others such a cheerful phrase, or merely a pleasant day. Very rare. Rarely does one encounter people from America visiting this town, and definitely not working in petrol stations or elsewhere.

Second in line at last. Following a senior shopper engaged in a lengthy struggle with her basket, her food items, her handbag and her membership pass. This took an eternity. Once completed, she as well received the wish to have a fantastic day. Definitely from the US. I might have verified it by saying something hilarious in her direction, to check for that reaction their typical stare, unsmilingly, and state very earnestly: “That is quite humorous.” However, nothing occurred of a jest to say.

I just had to settle for the absolute sincerity – or a performance of it, essentially the same as the same thing – with which she looked me right in the eye, deep into my soul, and told me to have a great day. My spirits lifted. Beneficial indeed.