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The scene was a Sunday morning, and I found myself grumpy enough, filling up my mother's vehicle. The location was a typical gas station that also functions as a supermarket, meaning there's a chance of ending up in line customers carrying goods of pricey provisions. It's an awful situation to unfold when all you want is to get gasoline and leave. Dreadful.

Fourth in line I stood among those waiting. A single employee working, a young woman. Something stood out in her demeanor. When the faffer at the first position had at last settled for his purchases, his pastry, and his box of eggs, I was certain I heard the cashier wish him to have a great day. Odd. Perhaps I’d misheard, or possibly she uttered it and was being sarcastic. I pondered if she could even be an ally in my fight against faff, sharing my contempt for people who hold up simple fuel-buyers like me.

I moved up, now third in line. The next shopper of our line discharged her fuel-only transaction with notable efficiency. Once more it happened: “Have a wonderful day.” To be precise, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. A stateside native? In Stourbridge? Her tone suggested it, and no British person tells people those exact words, or simply a good day. Very rare. It's uncommon to find US citizens knocking around Stourbridge, certainly not holding jobs in fueling spots or other places.

Now I stood second. After an elderly lady embroiled in a protracted effort with her shopping cart, her purchases, her purse and her membership pass. It went on for ever. When she was done, she as well was wished to have a fantastic day. Definitely from the US. Confirming it was possible by cracking a joke at the cashier, to see if she did that response when they look at you, without a smile, and state very earnestly: “You are very amusing.” However, nothing occurred of a funny comment to express.

In the end, I embraced the heartfelt tone – or a performance of it, that equates to no different – with which she looked me right in the eye, to my very core, and bid me to have a great day. I felt better for it. It was a good thing.