For the Cashier Who Left Me Completely Wordless – My Hat's Off to You

The scene was a Sunday morning, and I was in a foul mood, topping off my mother's vehicle. It was a typical gas station that operates as a grocery store, which often leads of waiting behind customers carrying goods of slightly overpriced groceries. It's an awful situation to unfold when the sole aim is to get gasoline and leave. Terrible.

Fourth in line I stood in the waiting line. There was only person serving, a young woman. Something stood out about her. After the ditherer at the head of the line had completed payment for his purchases, his pastry, and some breakfast items, I was certain overhearing the cashier wish him a wonderful day. Unusual. Maybe it was a mistake, or maybe she did say it and meant it ironically. The thought crossed my mind if she could even be an ally in the war on delays, echoing my disdain for people who hold up people just getting gas such as myself.

Taking a step forward, now third in line. The next shopper of our line completed her gasoline purchase with notable efficiency. Once more it happened: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” To be precise, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. Someone from the US? In Stourbridge? The pronunciation indicated it, and few locals tells people a wonderful day, or simply a good day. Highly unusual. It's uncommon to find people from America visiting this town, certainly not working in petrol stations or other places.

Now I stood second. Behind a poor older woman embroiled in a protracted effort with her shopping cart, her purchases, her purse and her membership pass. This took an eternity. When she was done, she as well received the wish an excellent day. Clearly an American. I might have verified it by saying something hilarious in her direction, to see if she did that reaction as they gaze at you, without a smile, and reply with genuine earnest: “That’s really funny.” However, nothing occurred of anything hilarious to utter.

I just had to settle for the absolute sincerity – or an impersonation of it, that equates to no different – as she gazed straight at me, to my very core, and bid me to have a great day. My spirits lifted. A positive experience.