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This occurred on a Sunday morning, and I felt grumpy enough, topping off my mother's vehicle. The location was a common fuel stop that operates as a grocery store, so you run the risk of joining a queue customers carrying goods of somewhat expensive items. It's an awful situation to happen when your only desire is to pay for some fuel. Terrible.

My position was fourth among those waiting. There was only employee working, a youthful clerk. Something stood out to her presence. After the ditherer at the head of the line had completed payment for a cleaning product, his sausage roll, and some breakfast items, I was certain I heard the cashier bid him an excellent day. Unusual. Perhaps I’d misheard, or perhaps she spoke and was being sarcastic. I pondered if she might actually be a comrade in my battle with dithering, echoing my disdain for people who hold up simple fuel-buyers like me.

Advancing next, to third in the queue. The person ahead of our line finished pumping gas with commendable speed. And there it was again: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” To be precise, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. An American? In Stourbridge? The pronunciation indicated it, and few locals says to others a wonderful day, or simply a good day. Very rare. Rarely does one encounter US citizens frequenting this area, least of all working in petrol stations or anywhere else.

Second in line at last. Behind a poor older woman engaged in a right old battle with her carryall, her food items, her handbag and her loyalty card. The process dragged on. After she finished, the woman also received the wish a wonderful day. Yes, American for sure. Confirming it was possible by saying something hilarious in her direction, to observe that reaction when they look at you, without a smile, and reply with genuine earnest: “You are very amusing.” Yet no idea came of anything hilarious to say.

I just had to settle the heartfelt tone – or a performance of it, that equates to no different – with which she looked directly into my eyes, to my very core, and bid me a wonderful day. It improved my mood. It was a good thing.