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

The scene was a Sunday morning, and I felt grumpy enough, refueling the family car. It was a typical gas station that doubles as a supermarket, which often leads of waiting behind customers carrying goods of pricey provisions. It's an awful situation to occur when the sole aim is to complete a simple refueling. Terrible.

I was fourth among those waiting. Just one employee working, a female attendant. A peculiar quality about her. Once the slowpoke at the front of the queue had completed payment for his purchases, his pastry, and a carton of eggs, It seemed to me that I heard the cashier bid him to have a great day. Unusual. Maybe it was a mistake, or possibly she uttered it and used a mocking tone. The thought crossed my mind if she might actually be a comrade in my battle with dithering, echoing my disdain for individuals slowing down simple fuel-buyers like me.

Advancing next, now third in line. The new leader of our group discharged her fuel-only transaction with commendable speed. Once more it happened: “Have a wonderful day.” In fact, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. An American? At this location? She had the accent, and hardly anyone here says to others a wonderful day, or merely a pleasant day. Highly unusual. It's uncommon to find US citizens visiting this town, least of all working in petrol stations or other places.

I was second now. After an elderly lady embroiled in a protracted effort with her basket, her food items, her wallet and her rewards card. It went on for ever. After she finished, she too was wished to have a fantastic day. Definitely from the US. I could have confirmed it by saying something hilarious at the cashier, to check for that thing when they look at you, stoically, and say with absolute sincerity: “You are very amusing.” However, nothing occurred of anything hilarious to say.

I just had to settle the genuine warmth – or a mimicry of sincerity, which amounts to identical in effect – while she stared directly into my eyes, piercingly, and told me a wonderful day. I felt better for it. A positive experience.