🔗 Share this article For the Store Clerk Who Made Me Absolutely Without Words – I Salute You The scene was a Sunday morning, and I felt grumpy enough, refueling my mother's vehicle. This was a typical gas station that operates as a grocery store, so you run the risk of joining a queue customers carrying goods of pricey provisions. This is a dreadful thing to happen when all you want is to pay for some fuel. Terrible. My position was fourth among those waiting. A single person serving, a youthful clerk. Something stood out to her presence. After the ditherer at the front of the queue had at last settled for his purchases, a baked snack, and his box of eggs, It seemed to me overhearing the cashier tell him an excellent day. Odd. Perhaps I’d misheard, or possibly she uttered it and was being sarcastic. The thought crossed my mind if she might actually be a supporter in my fight against faff, sharing my contempt for those who delay simple fuel-buyers like me. Taking a step forward, now third in line. The new leader of the queue finished pumping gas with notable efficiency. And there it was again: “Have a wonderful day.” To be precise, it was “have a wonderful day”. A stateside native? In Stourbridge? Her tone suggested it, and few locals wishes anyone a wonderful day, or even just a nice day. Very rare. It's uncommon to find many Americans frequenting this area, certainly not holding jobs in fueling spots or elsewhere. I was second now. Behind a poor older woman engaged in a protracted effort with her carryall, her groceries, her handbag and her rewards card. It went on for ever. Once completed, she as well got told to have a fantastic day. Clearly an American. I could have confirmed it by making a witty remark to her, to observe that reaction when they look at you, unsmilingly, and say with absolute sincerity: “That’s really funny.” Yet no idea came of anything hilarious to express. Ultimately, I accepted the genuine warmth – or a mimicry of sincerity, which amounts to identical in effect – with which she looked straight at me, piercingly, and told me a wonderful day. My spirits lifted. It was a good thing.