The scene was a day of rest, and I was sufficiently irritable, filling up the family car. It was one of those petrol stations that operates as a convenience store, so you run the risk of joining a queue customers carrying goods of slightly overpriced groceries. A terrible fate to occur when all you want 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. Once the slowpoke at the first position had at last settled for his Viakal, his pastry, and a carton of eggs, It seemed to me that I heard the cashier wish him to have a great day. Unusual. Maybe it was a mistake, or perhaps she spoke and was being sarcastic. I wondered if she might actually be a comrade in my fight against faff, echoing my disdain for people who hold up people just getting gas including me.
Advancing next, becoming the third customer. The next shopper of our line completed her gasoline purchase with commendable speed. And there it was again: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” In fact, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. An American? In Stourbridge? She had the accent, and no British person tells people those exact words, or merely a pleasant day. Highly unusual. It's uncommon to find people from America knocking around Stourbridge, and definitely not holding jobs in fueling spots or elsewhere.
Second in line at last. Following a senior shopper dealing with a right old battle with her basket, her food items, her purse and her loyalty card. It went on for ever. After she finished, she too got told to have a fantastic day. Definitely from the US. Confirming it was possible by making a witty remark to her, to check for that response when they look at you, without a smile, and state very earnestly: “That’s really funny.” But I couldn’t think of a funny comment to utter.
In the end, I embraced the genuine warmth – or a performance of it, that equates to the same thing – while she stared straight at me, to my very core, and bid me to have a great day. It improved my mood. Beneficial indeed.
Lena Hoffmann is a seasoned journalist with a passion for uncovering stories that matter, specializing in German current affairs and digital media trends.
