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The scene was a weekend morning, and I was in a foul mood, refueling the family car. The location was a typical gas station that doubles as a grocery store, meaning there's a chance of waiting behind shoppers with carts of slightly overpriced groceries. It's an awful situation to happen when the sole aim is to get gasoline and leave. Terrible.

Fourth in line I stood among those waiting. Just one person serving, a youthful clerk. A peculiar quality about her. Once the slowpoke at the front of the queue had finally paid for his Viakal, a baked snack, and his box of eggs, I could have sworn that I heard the cashier wish him an excellent day. Odd. Could be I misunderstood, or perhaps she spoke and meant it ironically. I wondered if she could even be an ally in my battle with dithering, reflecting my irritation for those who delay simple fuel-buyers such as myself.

I moved up, to third in the queue. The person ahead of our line completed her gasoline purchase with commendable speed. And there it was again: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” In fact, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. A stateside native? In Stourbridge? The pronunciation indicated it, and few locals wishes anyone such a cheerful phrase, or merely a pleasant day. Very rare. It's uncommon to find many Americans knocking around Stourbridge, certainly not working in petrol stations or elsewhere.

Now I stood second. Following a senior shopper dealing with a protracted effort with her carryall, her purchases, her wallet and her membership pass. The process dragged on. After she finished, she as well got told to have a fantastic day. Yes, American for sure. I could have confirmed it by saying something hilarious to her, to check for that thing as they gaze at you, without a smile, and reply with genuine earnest: “That is quite humorous.” However, nothing occurred of a funny comment to express.

Ultimately, I accepted for the absolute sincerity – or an impersonation of it, essentially the same as identical in effect – with which she looked me right in the eye, piercingly, and told me to have a great day. It improved my mood. A positive experience.