Addressing the Checkout Assistant That Made Me Completely Wordless – I Salute You
The scene was a Sunday morning, and I felt grumpy enough, filling up my mum’s car. This was one of those petrol stations that operates as a supermarket, which often leads of ending up in line shoppers with carts of somewhat expensive items. This is a dreadful thing to unfold when your only desire is to get gasoline and leave. Terrible.
Fourth in line I stood in the queue. Just one cashier operating, a female attendant. There was something unusual to her presence. When the faffer at the head of the line had completed payment for his purchases, a baked snack, and some breakfast items, I was certain I heard the cashier bid him a wonderful day. Odd. Maybe it was a mistake, or possibly she uttered it and used a mocking tone. I wondered if she might actually be an ally in my fight against faff, reflecting my irritation for those who delay simple fuel-buyers like me.
Taking a step forward, now third in line. The person ahead of the queue completed her gasoline purchase with notable efficiency. Once more it happened: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” No, actually, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. A stateside native? At this location? The pronunciation indicated it, and few locals wishes anyone a wonderful day, or merely a pleasant day. Highly unusual. It's uncommon to find many Americans frequenting this area, certainly not working in petrol stations or elsewhere.
I was second now. After an elderly lady embroiled in a lengthy struggle with her basket, her groceries, her wallet and her membership pass. The process dragged on. After she finished, she as well got told a wonderful day. Definitely from the US. I might have verified it by cracking a joke to her, to observe that reaction as they gaze at you, unsmilingly, and state very earnestly: “That’s really funny.” However, nothing occurred of a funny comment to express.
I just had to settle the heartfelt tone – or a mimicry of sincerity, that equates to identical in effect – while she stared straight at me, to my very core, and wished me a wonderful day. My spirits lifted. Beneficial indeed.
