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This occurred on a Sunday morning, and I was grumpy enough, filling up my mum’s car. The location was one of those petrol stations that also functions as a supermarket, which often leads of waiting behind people bearing baskets of somewhat expensive items. A terrible fate to occur when the sole aim is to pay for some fuel. Terrible.

My position was fourth among those waiting. A single employee working, a youthful clerk. Something stood out in her demeanor. Once the slowpoke at the head of the line had finally paid for his purchases, a baked snack, and a carton of eggs, I could have sworn I heard the cashier wish him a wonderful day. Strange. Could be I misunderstood, or possibly she uttered it and meant it ironically. I wondered if she might actually be an ally in my battle with dithering, reflecting my irritation for people who hold up simple fuel-buyers including me.

Taking a step forward, to third in the queue. The person ahead of our group discharged her fuel-only transaction with commendable speed. Again, the phrase came: “Have a wonderful day.” To be precise, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. An American? Here in Stourbridge? She had the accent, and no British person tells people such a cheerful phrase, or even just a nice day. Very rare. Rarely does one encounter US citizens knocking around Stourbridge, and definitely not employed at gas stations or elsewhere.

I was second now. Following a senior shopper dealing with a right old battle with her shopping cart, her groceries, her handbag and her loyalty card. This took an eternity. When she was done, she too was wished to have a fantastic day. Yes, American for sure. I could have confirmed it by making a witty remark at the cashier, to check for that thing as they gaze at you, stoically, and say with absolute sincerity: “You are very amusing.” However, nothing occurred of a funny comment to say.

Ultimately, I accepted the genuine warmth – or a mimicry of sincerity, essentially the same as the same thing – with which she looked directly into my eyes, to my very core, and told me a wonderful day. I felt better for it. A positive experience.