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This occurred on a weekend morning, and I felt grumpy enough, refueling my mother's vehicle. This was a typical gas station that also functions as a supermarket, so you run the risk of joining a queue people bearing baskets of slightly overpriced groceries. It's an awful situation to occur when the sole aim is to get gasoline and leave. Terrible.

My position was fourth in the waiting line. A single employee working, a youthful clerk. Something stood out about her. After the ditherer at the first position had at last settled for his purchases, a baked snack, and a carton of eggs, I was certain that I heard the cashier bid him to have a great day. Odd. Perhaps I’d misheard, or maybe she did say it and was being sarcastic. The thought crossed my mind if perhaps she was an ally in my battle with dithering, sharing my contempt for people who hold up simple fuel-buyers such as myself.

I moved up, now third in line. The next shopper of our line completed her gasoline purchase with commendable speed. And there it was again: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” To be precise, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. Someone from the US? In Stourbridge? Her tone suggested it, and few locals wishes anyone a wonderful day, or simply a good day. Highly unusual. It's uncommon to find people from America visiting this town, certainly not holding jobs in fueling spots or other places.

I was second now. After an elderly lady engaged in a lengthy struggle with her carryall, her food items, her handbag and her loyalty card. The process dragged on. Once completed, she as well received the wish to have a fantastic day. Definitely from the US. Confirming it was possible by saying something hilarious in her direction, to see if she did that response their typical stare, without a smile, and reply with genuine earnest: “You are very amusing.” However, nothing occurred of a funny comment to say.

In the end, I embraced for the absolute sincerity – or an impersonation of it, essentially the same as the same thing – with which she looked directly into my eyes, piercingly, and told me to have a great day. I felt better for it. Beneficial indeed.