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The scene was a Sunday morning, and I felt grumpy enough, filling up the family car. It was a typical gas station that also functions as a supermarket, so you run the risk of waiting behind customers carrying goods of pricey provisions. It's an awful situation to happen when all you want is to pay for some fuel. Awful.

My position was fourth among those waiting. A single person serving, a young woman. A peculiar quality to her presence. When the faffer at the head of the line had finally paid for his purchases, his sausage roll, and some breakfast items, It seemed to me overhearing the cashier bid him a wonderful day. Strange. Could be I misunderstood, or possibly she uttered it and meant it ironically. I wondered if perhaps she was an ally in my battle with dithering, sharing my contempt for people who hold up simple fuel-buyers such as myself.

Taking a step forward, now third in line. The person ahead of our line finished pumping gas with commendable speed. And there it was again: “Have a wonderful day.” To be precise, it was “have a wonderful day”. Someone from the US? At this location? The pronunciation indicated it, and few locals wishes anyone those exact words, or merely a pleasant day. Quite out of place. It's uncommon to find people from America knocking around Stourbridge, least of all holding jobs in fueling spots or other places.

Now I stood second. After an elderly lady engaged in a right old battle with her basket, her groceries, her handbag and her loyalty card. It went on for ever. When she was done, she as well got told an excellent day. Definitely from the US. Confirming it was possible by cracking a joke at the cashier, to check for that thing when they look at you, stoically, and reply with genuine earnest: “You are very amusing.” However, nothing occurred of a funny comment to say.

I just had to settle for the absolute sincerity – or an impersonation of it, essentially the same as identical in effect – with which she looked directly into my eyes, to my very core, and wished me an awesome day. I felt better for it. It was a good thing.