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This occurred on a Sunday morning, and I felt in a foul mood, refueling my mother's vehicle. The location was a typical gas station that also functions as a supermarket, so you run the risk of joining a queue people bearing baskets of somewhat expensive items. A terrible fate to occur when all you want is to complete a simple refueling. Dreadful.

Fourth in line I stood among those waiting. Just one cashier operating, a youthful clerk. Something stood out in her demeanor. Once the slowpoke at the head of the line had at last settled for his purchases, a baked snack, and some breakfast items, I was certain that I heard the cashier wish him to have a great day. Strange. Perhaps I’d misheard, or perhaps she spoke and meant it ironically. I wondered if perhaps she was an ally in my fight against faff, echoing my disdain for those who delay straightforward customers such as myself.

I moved up, to third in the queue. The next shopper of our group finished pumping gas with notable efficiency. Again, the phrase came: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” To be precise, it was “have a wonderful day”. Someone from the US? At this location? The pronunciation indicated it, and hardly anyone here tells people a wonderful day, or even just a nice day. Quite out of place. You don’t get many Americans knocking around Stourbridge, and definitely not working in petrol stations or elsewhere.

I was second now. After an elderly lady engaged in a lengthy struggle with her shopping cart, her food items, her wallet and her loyalty card. It went on for ever. After she finished, she as well got told a wonderful day. Definitely from the US. Confirming it was possible by making a witty remark at the cashier, to observe that response as they gaze at you, without a smile, and state very earnestly: “That is quite humorous.” However, nothing occurred of a funny comment to express.

In the end, I embraced the genuine warmth – or an impersonation of it, which amounts to no different – while she stared directly into my eyes, deep into my soul, and told me a wonderful day. I felt better for it. Beneficial indeed.