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The scene was a Sunday morning, and I felt sufficiently irritable, refueling my mother's vehicle. It was one of those petrol stations that also functions as a convenience store, which often leads of ending up in line people bearing baskets of somewhat expensive items. A terrible fate to occur when all you want is to get gasoline and leave. Terrible.

I was fourth in the waiting line. Just one employee working, a young woman. Something stood out in her demeanor. After the ditherer at the first position had completed payment for his purchases, a baked snack, and a carton of eggs, I was certain that I heard the cashier bid him an excellent day. Odd. Maybe it was a mistake, or possibly she uttered it and meant it ironically. The thought crossed my mind if she might actually be an ally in my fight against faff, sharing my contempt for people who hold up straightforward customers including me.

Advancing next, becoming the third customer. The next shopper of our group discharged her fuel-only transaction with commendable speed. And there it was again: “Have a wonderful day.” In fact, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. A stateside native? Here in Stourbridge? She had the accent, and hardly anyone here says to others such a cheerful phrase, or simply a good day. Very rare. Rarely does one encounter people from America frequenting this area, and definitely not holding jobs in fueling spots or other places.

I was second now. Behind a poor older woman engaged in a lengthy struggle with her shopping cart, her groceries, her handbag and her rewards card. The process dragged on. Once completed, she as well received the wish an excellent day. Definitely from the US. Confirming it was possible by cracking a joke at the cashier, to check for that thing their typical stare, unsmilingly, and reply with genuine earnest: “You are very amusing.” However, nothing occurred of a jest to express.

In the end, I embraced for the absolute sincerity – or an impersonation of it, which amounts to the same thing – with which she looked directly into my eyes, deep into my soul, and told me a wonderful day. I felt better for it. It was a good thing.