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It was a day of rest, and I was grumpy enough, topping off my mother's vehicle. The location was a common fuel stop that doubles as a supermarket, which often leads of joining a queue people bearing baskets of pricey provisions. A terrible fate to happen when your only desire is to get gasoline and leave. Terrible.

Fourth in line I stood in the queue. Just one cashier operating, a youthful clerk. There was something unusual in her demeanor. When the faffer at the first position had finally paid for a cleaning product, a baked snack, and a carton of eggs, I could have sworn that I heard the cashier bid him a wonderful day. Odd. Could be I misunderstood, or possibly she uttered it and used a mocking tone. I pondered if perhaps she was a supporter in my fight against faff, reflecting my irritation for individuals slowing down straightforward customers such as myself.

Taking a step forward, becoming the third customer. The new leader of the queue discharged her fuel-only transaction with commendable speed. Again, the phrase came: “Have a wonderful day.” In fact, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. Someone from the US? In Stourbridge? The pronunciation indicated it, and hardly anyone here says to others such a cheerful phrase, or merely a pleasant day. Very rare. Rarely does one encounter many Americans visiting this town, and definitely not working in petrol stations or anywhere else.

Second in line at last. After an elderly lady engaged in a right old battle with her basket, her food items, her wallet and her loyalty card. It went on for ever. When she was done, she too received the wish a wonderful day. Clearly an American. I could have confirmed it by cracking a joke to her, to check for that reaction their typical stare, stoically, and say with absolute sincerity: “That is quite humorous.” However, nothing occurred of a jest to utter.

Ultimately, I accepted for the absolute sincerity – or an impersonation of it, essentially the same as the same thing – while she stared me right in the eye, deep into my soul, and told me an awesome day. My spirits lifted. It was a good thing.