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

The scene was a Sunday morning, and I found myself in a foul mood, refueling the family car. This was a common fuel stop that also functions as a grocery store, meaning there's a chance of waiting behind customers carrying goods of pricey provisions. A terrible fate to occur when all you want is to get gasoline and leave. Terrible.

I was fourth among those waiting. There was only employee working, a young woman. A peculiar quality in her demeanor. After the ditherer at the head of the line had finally paid for a cleaning product, his pastry, and his box of eggs, It seemed to me overhearing the cashier wish him an excellent day. Unusual. Could be I misunderstood, or maybe she did say it and was being sarcastic. The thought crossed my mind if she might actually be a supporter in the war on delays, sharing my contempt for those who delay straightforward customers such as myself.

Taking a step forward, now third in line. The person ahead of our group discharged her fuel-only transaction with notable efficiency. Again, the phrase came: “Have a wonderful day.” In fact, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. A stateside native? Here in Stourbridge? She had the accent, and hardly anyone here wishes anyone a wonderful day, or simply a good day. Highly unusual. You don’t get many Americans knocking around Stourbridge, certainly not employed at gas stations or other places.

Now I stood second. Following a senior shopper dealing with a lengthy struggle with her shopping cart, her purchases, her purse and her rewards card. The process dragged on. When she was done, the woman also got told a wonderful day. Clearly an American. I might have verified it by saying something hilarious to her, to check for that response when they look at you, unsmilingly, and reply with genuine earnest: “You are very amusing.” But I couldn’t think of a jest to utter.

Ultimately, I accepted the heartfelt tone – or a performance of it, that equates to no different – with which she looked directly into my eyes, to my very core, and told me an awesome day. It improved my mood. Beneficial indeed.