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This occurred on a Sunday morning, and I found myself in a foul mood, topping off my mum’s car. This was a common fuel stop that doubles as a supermarket, meaning there's a chance of joining a queue people bearing baskets of somewhat expensive items. A terrible fate to occur when the sole aim is to complete a simple refueling. Terrible.

Fourth in line I stood in the waiting line. Just one employee working, a female attendant. There was something unusual in her demeanor. Once the slowpoke at the first position had completed payment for his purchases, a baked snack, and a carton of eggs, I was certain overhearing the cashier tell him to have a great day. Strange. Could be I misunderstood, or perhaps she spoke and used a mocking tone. The thought crossed my mind if she could even be a comrade in the war on delays, sharing my contempt for individuals slowing down simple fuel-buyers such as myself.

I moved up, becoming the third customer. The person ahead of our line discharged her fuel-only transaction with impressive quickness. And there it was again: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” In fact, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. Someone from the US? Here in Stourbridge? The pronunciation indicated it, and no British person tells people a wonderful day, or simply a good day. Highly unusual. Rarely does one encounter people from America frequenting this area, and definitely not working in petrol stations or anywhere else.

Second in line at last. After an elderly lady engaged in a right old battle with her basket, her groceries, her purse and her rewards card. This took an eternity. After she finished, she too received the wish an excellent day. Definitely from the US. Confirming it was possible by making a witty remark to her, to observe that thing as they gaze at you, unsmilingly, and reply with genuine earnest: “That’s really funny.” But I couldn’t think of a jest to utter.

I just had to settle the genuine warmth – or a performance of it, that equates to no different – as she gazed straight at me, piercingly, and told me to have a great day. My spirits lifted. Beneficial indeed.