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It was a weekend morning, and I found myself in a foul mood, filling up the family car. This was a common fuel stop that operates as a supermarket, so you run the risk of ending up in line customers carrying goods of pricey provisions. It's an awful situation to happen when your only desire is to complete a simple refueling. Terrible.

I was fourth among those waiting. Just one employee working, a youthful clerk. Something stood out in her demeanor. Once the slowpoke at the head of the line had at last settled for his Viakal, his sausage roll, and a carton of eggs, I could have sworn I heard the cashier tell him a wonderful day. Odd. Perhaps I’d misheard, or perhaps she spoke and was being sarcastic. I pondered if perhaps she was a supporter in the war on delays, sharing my contempt for individuals slowing down simple fuel-buyers including me.

I moved up, to third in the queue. The person ahead of our group discharged her fuel-only transaction with notable efficiency. Once more it happened: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” No, actually, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. Someone from the US? Here in Stourbridge? Her tone suggested it, and no British person tells people such a cheerful phrase, or even just a nice day. Very rare. It's uncommon to find people from America frequenting this area, least of all employed at gas stations or anywhere else.

Second in line at last. After an elderly lady dealing with a protracted effort with her carryall, her food items, her purse and her loyalty card. This took an eternity. After she finished, the woman also was wished an excellent day. Definitely from the US. Confirming it was possible by making a witty remark in her direction, to observe that thing their typical stare, stoically, and reply with genuine earnest: “That is quite humorous.” But I couldn’t think of a jest to utter.

I just had to settle the genuine warmth – or an impersonation of it, essentially the same as identical in effect – while she stared directly into my eyes, to my very core, and wished me a wonderful day. I felt better for it. Beneficial indeed.