Addressing the Checkout Assistant That Made Me Absolutely Speechless – I Salute You

The scene was a day of rest, and I felt in a foul mood, topping off my mother's vehicle. This was a common fuel stop that doubles as a grocery store, which often leads of ending up in line shoppers with carts of pricey provisions. This is a dreadful thing to unfold when all you want is to complete a simple refueling. Dreadful.

I was fourth among those waiting. Just one person serving, a female attendant. A peculiar quality to her presence. Once the slowpoke at the head of the line had completed payment for his purchases, a baked snack, and a carton of eggs, It seemed to me overhearing the cashier bid him an excellent day. Unusual. Maybe it was a mistake, or perhaps she spoke and used a mocking tone. The thought crossed my mind if perhaps she was an ally in my fight against faff, echoing my disdain for those who delay people just getting gas like me.

Taking a step forward, becoming the third customer. The new leader of our line completed her gasoline purchase with commendable speed. Again, the phrase came: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” To be precise, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. A stateside native? At this location? She had the accent, and hardly anyone here tells people a wonderful day, or simply a good day. Very rare. It's uncommon to find US citizens frequenting this area, certainly not employed at gas stations or anywhere else.

Now I stood second. Behind a poor older woman dealing with a lengthy struggle with her carryall, her purchases, her wallet and her membership pass. It went on for ever. After she finished, she as well received the wish to have a fantastic day. Clearly an American. Confirming it was possible by cracking a joke to her, to see if she did that response when they look at you, stoically, and say with absolute sincerity: “That is quite humorous.” However, nothing occurred of anything hilarious to express.

I just had to settle for the absolute sincerity – or a performance of it, essentially the same as the same thing – as she gazed straight at me, to my very core, and told me a wonderful day. It improved my mood. Beneficial indeed.