To the Checkout Assistant That Made Me Totally Speechless – My Hat's Off to You

It was a day of rest, and I was grumpy enough, filling up my mother's vehicle. It was one of those petrol stations that also functions as a grocery store, so you run the risk of ending up in line shoppers with carts of somewhat expensive items. It's an awful situation to happen when all you want is to complete a simple refueling. Dreadful.

My position was fourth among those waiting. There was only person serving, a young woman. There was something unusual about her. Once the slowpoke at the front of the queue had completed payment for a cleaning product, a baked snack, and some breakfast items, I was certain that I heard the cashier tell him a wonderful day. Unusual. Maybe it was a mistake, or perhaps she spoke and used a mocking tone. The thought crossed my mind if she could even be a supporter in my battle with dithering, sharing my contempt for people who hold up simple fuel-buyers including me.

Taking a step forward, becoming the third customer. The person ahead of our group finished pumping gas with impressive quickness. Again, the phrase came: “Have a wonderful day.” To be precise, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. A stateside native? In Stourbridge? Her tone suggested it, and no British person says to others those exact words, or merely a pleasant day. Very rare. You don’t get many Americans frequenting this area, and definitely not working in petrol stations or anywhere else.

I was second now. Following a senior shopper engaged in a right old battle with her carryall, her groceries, her handbag and her membership pass. The process dragged on. Once completed, the woman also received the wish a wonderful day. Yes, American for sure. Confirming it was possible by cracking a joke to her, to observe that response as they gaze at you, without a smile, and reply with genuine earnest: “That’s really funny.” But I couldn’t think of a funny comment to utter.

Ultimately, I accepted for the absolute sincerity – or a performance of it, which amounts to the same thing – with which she looked directly into my eyes, deep into my soul, and wished me a wonderful day. My spirits lifted. It was a good thing.