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The scene was a day of rest, and I was in a foul mood, topping off the family car. The location was a common fuel stop that also functions as a grocery store, so you run the risk of joining a queue shoppers with carts of slightly overpriced groceries. This is a dreadful thing to occur when your only desire is to complete a simple refueling. Terrible.

My position was fourth in the queue. A single person serving, a youthful clerk. A peculiar quality about her. Once the slowpoke at the front of the queue had finally paid for a cleaning product, his sausage roll, and his box of eggs, I was certain that I heard the cashier tell him to have a great day. Strange. Maybe it was a mistake, or perhaps she spoke and used a mocking tone. I wondered if perhaps she was an ally in my battle with dithering, reflecting my irritation for individuals slowing down simple fuel-buyers including me.

I moved up, to third in the queue. The next shopper of our group finished pumping gas with impressive quickness. And there it was again: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” To be precise, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. A stateside native? Here in Stourbridge? She had the accent, and few locals wishes anyone those exact words, or simply a good day. Quite out of place. Rarely does one encounter US citizens visiting this town, and definitely not working in petrol stations or anywhere else.

Second in line at last. After an elderly lady engaged in a protracted effort with her carryall, her purchases, her handbag and her rewards card. It went on for ever. After she finished, the woman also was wished to have a fantastic day. Clearly an American. I could have confirmed it by cracking a joke to her, to observe that thing as they gaze at you, unsmilingly, and say with absolute sincerity: “That’s really funny.” But I couldn’t think of anything hilarious to express.

In the end, I embraced the heartfelt tone – or a mimicry of sincerity, which amounts to no different – while she stared me right in the eye, deep into my soul, and told me to have a great day. It improved my mood. A positive experience.