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It was a weekend morning, and I was sufficiently irritable, topping off my mother's vehicle. This was a typical gas station that doubles as a grocery store, which often leads of waiting behind customers carrying goods of somewhat expensive items. It's an awful situation to happen when all you want is to get gasoline and leave. Awful.

I was fourth in the waiting line. Just one employee working, a young woman. Something stood out in her demeanor. After the ditherer at the first position had at last settled for his purchases, his pastry, and a carton of eggs, I could have sworn I heard the cashier bid him an excellent day. Odd. Perhaps I’d misheard, or possibly she uttered it and used a mocking tone. I pondered if she could even be a comrade in my fight against faff, echoing my disdain for individuals slowing down simple fuel-buyers like me.

Advancing next, now third in line. The person ahead of the queue completed her gasoline purchase with commendable speed. Again, the phrase came: “Have a wonderful day.” In fact, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. An American? Here in Stourbridge? The pronunciation indicated it, and few locals wishes anyone such a cheerful phrase, or simply a good day. Quite out of place. Rarely does one encounter US citizens frequenting this area, least of all working in petrol stations or elsewhere.

I was second now. Following a senior shopper embroiled in a protracted effort with her basket, her food items, her wallet and her membership pass. It went on for ever. When she was done, the woman also got told an excellent day. Clearly an American. I might have verified it by saying something hilarious in her direction, to check for that thing their typical stare, stoically, and say with absolute sincerity: “That is quite humorous.” However, nothing occurred of a jest to express.

I just had to settle for the absolute sincerity – or a performance of it, which amounts to identical in effect – while she stared me right in the eye, deep into my soul, and wished me a wonderful day. It improved my mood. A positive experience.