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The scene was a weekend morning, and I was sufficiently irritable, topping off the family car. This was one of those petrol stations that doubles as a grocery store, so you run the risk of joining a queue shoppers with carts of slightly overpriced groceries. A terrible fate to happen when all you want is to pay for some fuel. Awful.

I was fourth among those waiting. Just one person serving, a youthful clerk. There was something unusual in her demeanor. After the ditherer at the head of the line had completed payment for his purchases, his sausage roll, and a carton of eggs, I was certain I heard the cashier wish him an excellent day. Unusual. Perhaps I’d misheard, or perhaps she spoke and meant it ironically. The thought crossed my mind if she might actually be an ally in my fight against faff, echoing my disdain for those who delay people just getting gas such as myself.

Taking a step forward, now third in line. The new leader of the queue completed her gasoline purchase with commendable speed. Once more it happened: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” In fact, it was “have a wonderful day”. An American? Here in Stourbridge? She had the accent, and no British person says to others those exact words, or simply a good day. Quite out of place. You don’t get people from America frequenting this area, least of all employed at gas stations or anywhere else.

I was second now. Behind a poor older woman embroiled in a protracted effort with her shopping cart, her food items, her wallet and her rewards card. The process dragged on. When she was done, she as well received the wish an excellent day. Definitely from the US. Confirming it was possible by cracking a joke at the cashier, to observe that thing their typical stare, unsmilingly, and reply with genuine earnest: “That is quite humorous.” But I couldn’t think of a jest to express.

I just had to settle for the absolute sincerity – or a mimicry of sincerity, which amounts to identical in effect – while she stared directly into my eyes, piercingly, and told me to have a great day. I felt better for it. Beneficial indeed.