This occurred on a weekend morning, and I found myself in a foul mood, topping off the family car. This was a common fuel stop that doubles as a convenience store, which often leads of waiting behind customers carrying goods of somewhat expensive items. A terrible fate to happen when the sole aim is to get gasoline and leave. Terrible.
I was fourth in the waiting line. Just one cashier operating, a youthful clerk. There was something unusual in her demeanor. When the faffer at the head of the line had completed payment for his purchases, his sausage roll, and his box of eggs, I could have sworn I heard the cashier tell him an excellent day. Strange. Maybe it was a mistake, or possibly she uttered it and was being sarcastic. I pondered if she could even be a comrade in my battle with dithering, echoing my disdain for individuals slowing down people just getting gas such as myself.
I moved up, becoming the third customer. The new leader of the queue discharged her fuel-only transaction with impressive quickness. Once more it happened: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” No, actually, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. An American? Here in Stourbridge? Her tone suggested it, and no British person tells people a wonderful day, or even just a nice day. Highly unusual. It's uncommon to find many Americans knocking around Stourbridge, certainly not holding jobs in fueling spots or other places.
Second in line at last. Behind a poor older woman dealing with a lengthy struggle with her shopping cart, her food items, her wallet and her rewards card. The process dragged on. After she finished, she too received the wish a wonderful day. Yes, American for sure. I could have confirmed it by making a witty remark at the cashier, to see if she did that thing as they gaze at you, stoically, and say with absolute sincerity: “That is quite humorous.” But I couldn’t think of anything hilarious to express.
Ultimately, I accepted the heartfelt tone – or an impersonation of it, which amounts to no different – with which she looked straight at me, to my very core, and bid me an awesome day. My spirits lifted. A positive experience.
