For the Store Clerk That Made Me Totally Wordless – I Salute You

This occurred on a Sunday morning, and I was grumpy enough, filling up my mum’s car. The location was a common fuel stop that operates as a supermarket, so you run the risk of ending up in line customers carrying goods of pricey provisions. A terrible fate to unfold when the sole aim is to pay for some fuel. Terrible.

Fourth in line I stood in the queue. A single employee working, a young woman. Something stood out in her demeanor. Once the slowpoke at the front of the queue had finally paid for a cleaning product, his sausage roll, and a carton of eggs, I could have sworn I heard the cashier bid him an excellent day. Odd. Perhaps I’d misheard, or perhaps she spoke and was being sarcastic. The thought crossed my mind if she could even be a supporter in my battle with dithering, echoing my disdain for those who delay simple fuel-buyers like me.

I moved up, now third in line. The next shopper of the queue discharged her fuel-only transaction with impressive quickness. Once more it happened: “Have a wonderful day.” No, actually, it was “have a wonderful day”. Someone from the US? At this location? She had the accent, and hardly anyone here wishes anyone those exact words, or simply a good day. Quite out of place. It's uncommon to find US citizens knocking around Stourbridge, least of all working in petrol stations or elsewhere.

Second in line at last. Following a senior shopper embroiled in a lengthy struggle with her carryall, her food items, her wallet and her rewards card. It went on for ever. After she finished, she too got told an excellent day. Clearly an American. Confirming it was possible by cracking a joke in her direction, to observe that reaction when they look at you, stoically, and reply with genuine earnest: “That’s really funny.” But I couldn’t think of a funny comment to say.

I just had to settle the heartfelt tone – or a performance of it, that equates to identical in effect – with which she looked directly into my eyes, piercingly, and bid me a wonderful day. My spirits lifted. It was a good thing.