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It was a weekend morning, and I felt grumpy enough, topping off the family car. It was one of those petrol stations that doubles as a supermarket, which often leads of joining a queue people bearing baskets of pricey provisions. It's an awful situation to happen when the sole aim is to complete a simple refueling. Dreadful.

Fourth in line I stood among those waiting. There was only employee working, a female attendant. A peculiar quality about her. After the ditherer at the first position had at last settled for his purchases, his pastry, and a carton of eggs, I could have sworn overhearing the cashier tell him a wonderful day. Unusual. Could be I misunderstood, or perhaps she spoke and meant it ironically. I wondered if she could even be a supporter in my battle with dithering, sharing my contempt for individuals slowing down straightforward customers including me.

Advancing next, becoming the third customer. The new leader of the queue completed her gasoline purchase with impressive quickness. Once more it happened: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” No, actually, it was “have a wonderful day”. Someone from the US? Here in Stourbridge? She had the accent, and hardly anyone here says to others such a cheerful phrase, or merely a pleasant day. Quite out of place. It's uncommon to find people from America frequenting this area, certainly not employed at gas stations or anywhere else.

Second in line at last. After an elderly lady dealing with a lengthy struggle with her basket, her groceries, her handbag and her rewards card. The process dragged on. Once completed, she too got told to have a fantastic day. Definitely from the US. I could have confirmed it by making a witty remark in her direction, to observe that thing as they gaze at you, unsmilingly, and reply with genuine earnest: “You are very amusing.” Yet no idea came of a funny comment to say.

In the end, I embraced the heartfelt tone – or an impersonation of it, essentially the same as no different – as she gazed directly into my eyes, to my very core, and bid me an awesome day. It improved my mood. It was a good thing.