It was a Sunday morning, and I found myself grumpy enough, filling up the family car. This was one of those petrol stations that also functions as a supermarket, meaning there's a chance of ending up in line shoppers with carts of slightly overpriced groceries. A terrible fate to occur when the sole aim is to complete a simple refueling. Terrible.
My position was fourth in the waiting line. There was only cashier operating, a youthful clerk. Something stood out about her. After the ditherer at the front of the queue had completed payment for his purchases, his pastry, and some breakfast items, It seemed to me that I heard the cashier wish him to have a great day. Unusual. Could be I misunderstood, or maybe she did say it and meant it ironically. I wondered if she could even be a supporter in my fight against faff, reflecting my irritation for those who delay people just getting gas including me.
Advancing next, to third in the queue. The new leader of our group finished pumping gas with impressive quickness. Once more it happened: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” In fact, it was “have a wonderful day”. A stateside native? In Stourbridge? Her tone suggested it, and no British person says to others such a cheerful phrase, or merely a pleasant day. Very rare. Rarely does one encounter US citizens visiting this town, certainly not holding jobs in fueling spots or anywhere else.
Now I stood second. Following a senior shopper dealing with a lengthy struggle with her basket, her food items, her wallet and her membership pass. It went on for ever. When she was done, the woman also got told to have a fantastic day. Clearly an American. I could have confirmed it by making a witty remark at the cashier, to see if she did that response as they gaze at you, stoically, and say with absolute sincerity: “You are very amusing.” But I couldn’t think of anything hilarious to express.
In the end, I embraced the heartfelt tone – or a mimicry of sincerity, that equates to the same thing – with which she looked directly into my eyes, piercingly, and told me an awesome day. I felt better for it. Beneficial indeed.
