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The scene was a day of rest, and I was in a foul mood, topping off my mother's vehicle. The location was a typical gas station that operates as a supermarket, meaning there's a chance of joining a queue customers carrying goods of slightly overpriced groceries. It's an awful situation to happen when your only desire is to get gasoline and leave. Awful.

Fourth in line I stood in the queue. There was only employee working, a female attendant. A peculiar quality in her demeanor. After the ditherer at the front of the queue had at last settled for his Viakal, his sausage roll, and his box of eggs, It seemed to me that I heard the cashier tell him a wonderful day. Odd. Could be I misunderstood, or possibly she uttered it and meant it ironically. I wondered if she could even be a supporter in my fight against faff, echoing my disdain for individuals slowing down straightforward customers including me.

Taking a step forward, to third in the queue. The new leader of our line discharged her fuel-only transaction with impressive quickness. And there it was again: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” No, actually, it was “have a wonderful day”. A stateside native? Here in Stourbridge? The pronunciation indicated it, and hardly anyone here wishes anyone a wonderful day, or merely a pleasant day. Quite out of place. It's uncommon to find US citizens visiting this town, least of all employed at gas stations or anywhere else.

Second in line at last. Behind a poor older woman engaged in a lengthy struggle with her shopping cart, her groceries, her purse and her rewards card. The process dragged on. After she finished, she as well received the wish a wonderful day. Clearly an American. I could have confirmed it by making a witty remark at the cashier, to observe that thing when they look at you, unsmilingly, and state very earnestly: “That is quite humorous.” Yet no idea came of a funny comment to say.

I just had to settle the genuine warmth – or a performance of it, essentially the same as no different – while she stared me right in the eye, to my very core, and bid me an awesome day. My spirits lifted. It was a good thing.