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This occurred on a weekend morning, and I felt in a foul mood, filling up my mum’s car. This was one of those petrol stations that also functions as a supermarket, meaning there's a chance of ending up in line customers carrying goods of slightly overpriced groceries. This is a dreadful thing to happen when the sole aim is to get gasoline and leave. Terrible.

Fourth in line I stood among those waiting. Just one cashier operating, a female attendant. Something stood out to her presence. Once the slowpoke at the first position had completed payment for a cleaning product, his sausage roll, and his box of eggs, It seemed to me overhearing the cashier tell him a wonderful day. Unusual. Maybe it was a mistake, or maybe she did say it and meant it ironically. I pondered if she might actually be a comrade in the war on delays, reflecting my irritation for individuals slowing down straightforward customers such as myself.

Taking a step forward, becoming the third customer. The person ahead of our line completed her gasoline purchase with impressive quickness. Once more it happened: “Have a wonderful day.” No, actually, it was “have a wonderful day”. A stateside native? Here in Stourbridge? She had the accent, and no British person tells people such a cheerful phrase, or even just a nice day. Very rare. Rarely does one encounter many Americans knocking around Stourbridge, certainly not employed at gas stations or elsewhere.

Now I stood second. Following a senior shopper engaged in a right old battle with her shopping cart, her purchases, her handbag and her rewards card. The process dragged on. When she was done, the woman also was wished a wonderful day. Yes, American for sure. Confirming it was possible by cracking a joke at the cashier, to see if she did that reaction when they look at you, stoically, and say with absolute sincerity: “That’s really funny.” But I couldn’t think of anything hilarious to express.

Ultimately, I accepted the heartfelt tone – or a mimicry of sincerity, which amounts to no different – while she stared directly into my eyes, deep into my soul, and bid me an awesome day. My spirits lifted. Beneficial indeed.