Addressing the Cashier That Left Me Completely Wordless – I Salute You

The scene was a day of rest, and I found myself sufficiently irritable, topping off my mum’s car. It was a typical gas station that doubles as a convenience store, meaning there's a chance of joining a queue people bearing baskets of somewhat expensive items. A terrible fate to unfold when the sole aim is to get gasoline and leave. Terrible.

My position was fourth among those waiting. There was only cashier operating, a young woman. There was something unusual to her presence. When the faffer at the head of the line had finally paid for a cleaning product, his pastry, and a carton of eggs, I could have sworn that I heard the cashier wish him a wonderful day. Odd. Perhaps I’d misheard, or maybe she did say it and meant it ironically. I wondered if perhaps she was a supporter in my battle with dithering, echoing my disdain for individuals slowing down straightforward customers including me.

Taking a step forward, to third in the queue. The new leader of our line discharged her fuel-only transaction with impressive quickness. Again, the phrase came: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” To be precise, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. An American? In Stourbridge? The pronunciation indicated it, and no British person wishes anyone such a cheerful phrase, or merely a pleasant day. Highly unusual. It's uncommon to find US citizens visiting this town, least of all working in petrol stations or elsewhere.

Now I stood second. Following a senior shopper engaged in a lengthy struggle with her shopping cart, her food items, her wallet and her loyalty card. It went on for ever. When she was done, she as well received the wish to have a fantastic day. Definitely from the US. I could have confirmed it by cracking a joke in her direction, to observe that response as they gaze at you, without a smile, and state very earnestly: “That’s really funny.” But I couldn’t think of anything hilarious to express.

In the end, I embraced the genuine warmth – or an impersonation of it, essentially the same as no different – while she stared me right in the eye, piercingly, and wished me a wonderful day. I felt better for it. Beneficial indeed.