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It was a day of rest, and I found myself grumpy enough, topping off my mum’s car. It was a typical gas station that doubles as a grocery store, so you run the risk of joining a queue people bearing baskets of slightly overpriced groceries. It's an awful situation to happen when the sole aim is to complete a simple refueling. Terrible.

Fourth in line I stood among those waiting. A single person serving, a youthful clerk. A peculiar quality about her. Once the slowpoke at the head of the line had finally paid for his Viakal, his pastry, and some breakfast items, I could have sworn that I heard the cashier tell him an excellent day. Unusual. Maybe it was a mistake, or maybe she did say it and used a mocking tone. The thought crossed my mind if she might actually be an ally in my fight against faff, sharing my contempt for individuals slowing down simple fuel-buyers including me.

Advancing next, becoming the third customer. The next shopper of our group completed her gasoline purchase with notable efficiency. Again, the phrase came: “Have a wonderful day.” To be precise, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. A stateside native? In Stourbridge? Her tone suggested it, and no British person tells people a wonderful day, or even just a nice day. Quite out of place. It's uncommon to find people from America visiting this town, and definitely not working in petrol stations or anywhere else.

Second in line at last. Behind a poor older woman embroiled in a protracted effort with her basket, her food items, her wallet and her rewards card. It went on for ever. Once completed, the woman also was wished an excellent day. Definitely from the US. I might have verified it by making a witty remark in her direction, to see if she did that reaction as they gaze at you, unsmilingly, and say with absolute sincerity: “That’s really funny.” Yet no idea came of anything hilarious to express.

Ultimately, I accepted the genuine warmth – or an impersonation of it, essentially the same as no different – with which she looked me right in the eye, deep into my soul, and told me to have a great day. I felt better for it. It was a good thing.