To the Store Clerk That Left Me Completely Speechless – I Salute You

The scene was a day of rest, and I was grumpy enough, topping off my mother's vehicle. This was one of those petrol stations that operates as a convenience store, which often leads of waiting behind shoppers with carts of slightly overpriced groceries. A terrible fate to unfold when all you want is to get gasoline and leave. Terrible.

My position was fourth in the waiting line. There was only cashier operating, a youthful clerk. A peculiar quality in her demeanor. After the ditherer at the head of the line had finally paid for his Viakal, a baked snack, and some breakfast items, I was certain I heard the cashier bid him to have a great day. Odd. Maybe it was a mistake, or perhaps she spoke and meant it ironically. The thought crossed my mind if she could even be a comrade in my fight against faff, sharing my contempt for individuals slowing down straightforward customers like me.

Taking a step forward, becoming the third customer. The person ahead of our group discharged her fuel-only transaction with notable efficiency. Again, the phrase came: “Have a wonderful day.” To be precise, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. A stateside native? In Stourbridge? She had the accent, and few locals says to others a wonderful day, or merely a pleasant day. Very rare. You don’t get people from America knocking around Stourbridge, and definitely not holding jobs in fueling spots or other places.

I was second now. After an elderly lady engaged in a right old battle with her basket, her food items, her purse and her membership pass. The process dragged on. When she was done, she as well got told to have a fantastic day. Clearly an American. I could have confirmed it by cracking a joke to her, to check for that response when they look at you, without a smile, and state very earnestly: “That is quite humorous.” But I couldn’t think of a funny comment to say.

In the end, I embraced for the absolute sincerity – or an impersonation of it, which amounts to no different – while she stared straight at me, piercingly, and bid me a wonderful day. My spirits lifted. A positive experience.

Robert Martin
Robert Martin

A seasoned gaming analyst with over a decade of experience in online casinos, specializing in strategy guides and industry trends.