For the Store Clerk Who Made Me Totally Wordless – My Hat's Off to You

The scene was a weekend morning, and I was in a foul mood, refueling my mum’s car. The location was a common fuel stop that doubles as a supermarket, which often leads of waiting behind shoppers with carts of pricey provisions. A terrible fate to unfold when all you want is to complete a simple refueling. Terrible.

Fourth in line I stood in the waiting line. There was only employee working, a youthful clerk. A peculiar quality about her. When the faffer at the first position had at last settled for his Viakal, his pastry, and his box of eggs, I could have sworn that I heard the cashier bid him a wonderful day. Odd. Perhaps I’d misheard, or perhaps she spoke and meant it ironically. I wondered if she might actually be a supporter in my battle with dithering, reflecting my irritation for those who delay people just getting gas such as myself.

I moved up, to third in the queue. The new leader of our line discharged her fuel-only transaction with commendable speed. Again, the phrase came: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” No, actually, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. A stateside native? At this location? She had the accent, and few locals wishes anyone those exact words, or simply a good day. Highly unusual. It's uncommon to find US citizens knocking around Stourbridge, and definitely not holding jobs in fueling spots or other places.

I was second now. After an elderly lady engaged in a right old battle with her carryall, her purchases, her handbag and her rewards card. The process dragged on. After she finished, she as well got told an excellent day. Yes, American for sure. I could have confirmed it by cracking a joke to her, to observe that reaction as they gaze at you, stoically, and say with absolute sincerity: “That’s really funny.” Yet no idea came of a jest to say.

Ultimately, I accepted the heartfelt tone – or a mimicry of sincerity, that equates to identical in effect – with which she looked straight at me, to my very core, and told me an awesome day. It improved my mood. It was a good thing.