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The scene was a weekend morning, and I found myself sufficiently irritable, refueling the family car. It was one of those petrol stations that operates as a supermarket, meaning there's a chance of joining a queue shoppers with carts of somewhat expensive items. This is a dreadful thing to unfold when your only desire is to complete a simple refueling. Dreadful.

My position was fourth among those waiting. There was only employee working, a female attendant. There was something unusual in her demeanor. Once the slowpoke at the front of the queue had completed payment for his Viakal, his sausage roll, and his box of eggs, I could have sworn I heard the cashier bid him an excellent day. Strange. Could be I misunderstood, or maybe she did say it and was being sarcastic. The thought crossed my mind if perhaps she was an ally in the war on delays, sharing my contempt for people who hold up straightforward customers including me.

I moved up, now third in line. The new leader of our group finished pumping gas with notable efficiency. Once more it happened: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” No, actually, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. An American? Here in Stourbridge? Her tone suggested it, and few locals wishes anyone such a cheerful phrase, or merely a pleasant day. Quite out of place. Rarely does one encounter people from America knocking around Stourbridge, least of all employed at gas stations or elsewhere.

I was second now. Following a senior shopper dealing with a lengthy struggle with her basket, her food items, her handbag and her membership pass. The process dragged on. Once completed, she too got told to have a fantastic day. Definitely from the US. Confirming it was possible by making a witty remark at the cashier, to see if she did that response when they look at you, unsmilingly, and say with absolute sincerity: “You are very amusing.” Yet no idea came of a funny comment to utter.

I just had to settle for the absolute sincerity – or an impersonation of it, essentially the same as no different – while she stared straight at me, piercingly, and bid me an awesome day. My spirits lifted. Beneficial indeed.