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It was a weekend morning, and I found myself sufficiently irritable, filling up my mum’s car. It was a typical gas station that doubles as a grocery store, which often leads of ending up in line customers carrying goods of somewhat expensive items. This is a dreadful thing to unfold when your only desire is to complete a simple refueling. Awful.

My position was fourth in the queue. Just one employee working, a young woman. There was something unusual to her presence. When the faffer at the front of the queue had completed payment for a cleaning product, a baked snack, and his box of eggs, I was certain overhearing the cashier wish him an excellent day. Odd. Perhaps I’d misheard, or maybe she did say it and was being sarcastic. I wondered if perhaps she was a comrade in the war on delays, reflecting my irritation for individuals slowing down straightforward customers including me.

Advancing next, now third in line. The next shopper of our group completed her gasoline purchase with notable efficiency. Again, the phrase came: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” To be precise, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. An American? In Stourbridge? Her tone suggested it, and hardly anyone here tells people those exact words, or simply a good day. Very rare. Rarely does one encounter US citizens frequenting this area, and definitely not employed at gas stations or anywhere else.

Now I stood second. Following a senior shopper engaged in a lengthy struggle with her shopping cart, her purchases, her purse and her rewards card. This took an eternity. When she was done, she too received the wish a wonderful day. Definitely from the US. Confirming it was possible by making a witty remark to her, to observe that thing their typical stare, stoically, and reply with genuine earnest: “That’s really funny.” Yet no idea came of a funny comment to express.

Ultimately, I accepted the heartfelt tone – or a mimicry of sincerity, that equates to no different – while she stared me right in the eye, piercingly, and bid me an awesome day. My spirits lifted. A positive experience.