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It was a day of rest, and I felt in a foul mood, refueling my mum’s car. This was a common fuel stop that also functions as a supermarket, so you run the risk of joining a queue people bearing baskets of somewhat expensive items. A terrible fate to unfold when the sole aim is to complete a simple refueling. Dreadful.

I was fourth in the waiting line. There was only cashier operating, a female attendant. There was something unusual in her demeanor. After the ditherer at the front of the queue had finally paid for his Viakal, his sausage roll, and a carton of eggs, I could have sworn I heard the cashier bid him a wonderful day. Strange. Could be I misunderstood, or possibly she uttered it and was being sarcastic. The thought crossed my mind if perhaps she was a supporter in the war on delays, sharing my contempt for those who delay simple fuel-buyers such as myself.

Taking a step forward, becoming the third customer. The next shopper of our line completed her gasoline purchase with impressive quickness. And there it was again: “Have a wonderful day.” No, actually, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. An American? Here in Stourbridge? She had the accent, and few locals wishes anyone a wonderful day, or merely a pleasant day. Highly unusual. Rarely does one encounter people from America visiting this town, least of all working in petrol stations or elsewhere.

Second in line at last. Behind a poor older woman dealing with a right old battle with her basket, her purchases, her wallet and her rewards card. The process dragged on. Once completed, the woman also got told to have a fantastic day. Clearly an American. I could have confirmed it by saying something hilarious at the cashier, to observe that thing their typical stare, unsmilingly, and state very earnestly: “You are very amusing.” Yet no idea came of a funny comment to utter.

In the end, I embraced the genuine warmth – or an impersonation of it, essentially the same as identical in effect – as she gazed straight at me, piercingly, and told me an awesome day. My spirits lifted. A positive experience.