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This occurred on a Sunday morning, and I felt in a foul mood, refueling my mum’s car. This was a typical gas station that doubles as a convenience store, which often leads of ending up in line customers carrying goods of pricey provisions. It's an awful situation to occur when your only desire is to get gasoline and leave. Dreadful.

I was fourth in the waiting line. There was only cashier operating, a youthful clerk. There was something unusual about her. After the ditherer at the head of the line had at last settled for his purchases, his pastry, and some breakfast items, I could have sworn that I heard the cashier bid him to have a great day. Unusual. Could be I misunderstood, or maybe she did say it and was being sarcastic. The thought crossed my mind 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.

Advancing next, becoming the third customer. The new leader of our group finished pumping gas with notable efficiency. And there it was again: “Have a wonderful day.” No, actually, it was “have a wonderful day”. A stateside native? At this location? She had the accent, and hardly anyone here wishes anyone a wonderful day, or simply a good day. Very rare. Rarely does one encounter people from America knocking around Stourbridge, least of all working in petrol stations or elsewhere.

Second in line at last. Following a senior shopper engaged in a lengthy struggle with her shopping cart, her purchases, her wallet and her rewards card. It went on for ever. After she finished, she as well received the wish to have a fantastic day. Definitely from the US. I might have verified it by cracking a joke in her direction, to see if she did that response when they look at you, stoically, and state very earnestly: “That is quite humorous.” But I couldn’t think of a jest to express.

Ultimately, I accepted for the absolute sincerity – or a performance of it, essentially the same as no different – with which she looked me right in the eye, to my very core, and told me a wonderful day. I felt better for it. Beneficial indeed.