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This occurred on a weekend morning, and I felt grumpy enough, filling up the family car. It was a typical gas station that also functions as a convenience store, so you run the risk of ending up in line shoppers with carts of somewhat expensive items. A terrible fate to occur when all you want is to complete a simple refueling. Terrible.

Fourth in line I stood in the waiting line. 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 his purchases, a baked snack, and his box of eggs, I was certain I heard the cashier bid him to have a great day. Unusual. Could be I misunderstood, or maybe she did say it and was being sarcastic. I pondered if she could even be an ally in my fight against faff, sharing my contempt for those who delay people just getting gas such as myself.

I moved up, now third in line. The person ahead of our group finished pumping gas with impressive quickness. Again, the phrase came: “Have a wonderful day.” In fact, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. Someone from the US? In Stourbridge? She had the accent, and no British person says to others a wonderful day, or even just a nice day. Very rare. Rarely does one encounter many Americans visiting this town, least of all holding jobs in fueling spots or anywhere else.

Now I stood second. Behind a poor older woman dealing with a protracted effort with her shopping cart, her purchases, her wallet and her rewards card. The process dragged on. After she finished, she as well received the wish to have a fantastic day. Yes, American for sure. I could have confirmed it by saying something hilarious in her direction, to check for that reaction when they look at you, without a smile, and reply with genuine earnest: “You are very amusing.” Yet no idea came of anything hilarious to say.

I just had to settle the heartfelt tone – or a mimicry of sincerity, which amounts to identical in effect – as she gazed me right in the eye, piercingly, and bid me to have a great day. I felt better for it. It was a good thing.