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It was a day of rest, and I found myself grumpy enough, topping off my mother's vehicle. It was a typical gas station that also functions as a supermarket, so you run the risk of joining a queue shoppers with carts of slightly overpriced groceries. It's an awful situation to occur when your only desire is to get gasoline and leave. Dreadful.

My position was fourth in the queue. A single employee working, a youthful clerk. Something stood out about her. When the faffer at the front of the queue had completed payment for a cleaning product, a baked snack, and a carton of eggs, It seemed to me that I heard the cashier tell him an excellent day. Strange. Maybe it was a mistake, or possibly she uttered it and meant it ironically. I pondered if she might actually be an ally in my battle with dithering, reflecting my irritation for individuals slowing down simple fuel-buyers such as myself.

I moved up, now third in line. The new leader of our group completed her gasoline purchase with notable efficiency. Again, the phrase came: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” In fact, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. A stateside native? Here in Stourbridge? She had the accent, and hardly anyone here says to others such a cheerful phrase, or even just a nice day. Quite out of place. You don’t get people from America frequenting this area, certainly not employed at gas stations or elsewhere.

Second in line at last. After an elderly lady engaged in a lengthy struggle with her shopping cart, her food items, her purse and her membership pass. This took an eternity. After she finished, the woman also received the wish an excellent day. Yes, American for sure. Confirming it was possible by making a witty remark at the cashier, to observe that thing when they look at you, without a smile, and say with absolute sincerity: “You are very amusing.” But I couldn’t think of anything hilarious to say.

I just had to settle the heartfelt tone – or an impersonation of it, 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.