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This morning I stop to get gas at the usual place, I always make smalltalk with the Owner (who's of Middle Eastern decent) who always has my usual requested items waiting for me before I get to the counter. Before going in I take notice of the people around me I saw a uniformed USAF SSgt pumping his gas adjacent to me. Mindful of always appreciating servicepeople, when we make glancing eye contact I acknowledge him with a quick smile and nod of the head. He returns it.
I set the pump trigger and head inside for a bottle of water, retrieve it and head for the counter. In front of me is the SSgt. making his transaction with the cashier, who is also of Middle Eastern decent. I never heard them speak a word to each other, not a thank you, f**k you, nothing. SSgt took his change, placed his cover and was gone. The cashier had a look of fire in his eyes and mumbled something low to himself. Then turned to me, and I gave him my usual smile and "Good morning my friend." His smile returned and we exchanged pleasantries. Made change and I was off.
On the walk back to the truck I wondered if the SSgt had insulted the cashier, or vice versa, directly or indirectly. Maybe I misread the situation but it seemed like you could've cut the tension between them with a knife. I've never known the cashier to be anything but very friendly and gracious though I can't help but wonder what was running through their minds.
I set the pump trigger and head inside for a bottle of water, retrieve it and head for the counter. In front of me is the SSgt. making his transaction with the cashier, who is also of Middle Eastern decent. I never heard them speak a word to each other, not a thank you, f**k you, nothing. SSgt took his change, placed his cover and was gone. The cashier had a look of fire in his eyes and mumbled something low to himself. Then turned to me, and I gave him my usual smile and "Good morning my friend." His smile returned and we exchanged pleasantries. Made change and I was off.
On the walk back to the truck I wondered if the SSgt had insulted the cashier, or vice versa, directly or indirectly. Maybe I misread the situation but it seemed like you could've cut the tension between them with a knife. I've never known the cashier to be anything but very friendly and gracious though I can't help but wonder what was running through their minds.