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The scene was a day of rest, and I found myself sufficiently irritable, topping off my mum’s car. The location was a common fuel stop that operates as a supermarket, meaning there's a chance of joining a queue shoppers with carts of slightly overpriced groceries. It's an awful situation to occur when all you want is to pay for some fuel. Awful.

Fourth in line I stood among those waiting. Just one employee working, a young woman. Something stood out to her presence. Once the slowpoke at the front of the queue had finally paid for a cleaning product, a baked snack, and some breakfast items, I could have sworn that I heard the cashier wish him an excellent day. Strange. Perhaps I’d misheard, or maybe she did say it and meant it ironically. I pondered if she might actually be an ally in the war on delays, reflecting my irritation for people who hold up people just getting gas such as myself.

Advancing next, becoming the third customer. The new leader of the queue discharged her fuel-only transaction with impressive quickness. Again, the phrase came: “Have a wonderful day.” No, actually, it was “have a wonderful day”. An American? Here in Stourbridge? Her tone suggested it, and few locals says to others a wonderful day, or even just a nice day. Very rare. It's uncommon to find many Americans visiting this town, least of all employed at gas stations or elsewhere.

Now I stood second. Behind a poor older woman dealing with a right old battle with her shopping cart, her groceries, her handbag and her membership pass. The process dragged on. Once completed, she as well received the wish to have a fantastic day. Yes, American for sure. Confirming it was possible by cracking a joke to her, to observe that response as they gaze at you, unsmilingly, and say with absolute sincerity: “You are very amusing.” However, nothing occurred of anything hilarious to express.

Ultimately, I accepted for the absolute sincerity – or an impersonation of it, which amounts to identical in effect – with which she looked directly into my eyes, deep into my soul, and bid me an awesome day. It improved my mood. A positive experience.