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The scene was a Sunday morning, and I found myself in a foul mood, topping off my mum’s car. This was one of those petrol stations that also functions as a convenience store, which often leads of joining a queue shoppers with carts of pricey provisions. It's an awful situation to occur when the sole aim is to get gasoline and leave. Terrible.

Fourth in line I stood in the waiting line. There was only employee working, a young woman. A peculiar quality to her presence. After the ditherer at the head of the line had completed payment for his purchases, his pastry, and some breakfast items, I was certain that I heard the cashier bid him to have a great day. Unusual. Maybe it was a mistake, or perhaps she spoke and was being sarcastic. I pondered if she might actually be an ally in the war on delays, sharing my contempt for individuals slowing down people just getting gas like me.

Advancing next, now third in line. The new leader of our group finished pumping gas with notable efficiency. Again, the phrase came: “Have a wonderful day.” No, actually, it was “have a wonderful day”. A stateside native? In Stourbridge? Her tone suggested it, and few locals wishes anyone a wonderful day, or merely a pleasant day. Quite out of place. It's uncommon to find US citizens frequenting this area, and definitely not working in petrol stations or anywhere else.

I was second now. Behind a poor older woman embroiled in a right old battle with her basket, her food items, her handbag and her loyalty card. This took an eternity. After she finished, she as well received the wish to have a fantastic day. Yes, American for sure. I might have verified it by cracking a joke to her, to observe that response when they look at you, stoically, and reply with genuine earnest: “That is quite humorous.” However, nothing occurred of anything hilarious to utter.

In the end, I embraced for the absolute sincerity – or a mimicry of sincerity, which amounts to identical in effect – as she gazed straight at me, to my very core, and told me a wonderful day. I felt better for it. Beneficial indeed.