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It was a day of rest, and I found myself in a foul mood, topping off my mum’s car. This was one of those petrol stations that also functions as a supermarket, meaning there's a chance of joining a queue customers carrying goods of slightly overpriced groceries. This is a dreadful thing to occur when all you want is to complete a simple refueling. Awful.

Fourth in line I stood in the waiting line. A single cashier operating, a young woman. A peculiar quality about her. Once the slowpoke at the first position had completed payment for a cleaning product, his pastry, and his box of eggs, It seemed to me overhearing the cashier bid him to have a great day. Odd. Maybe it was a mistake, or maybe she did say it and was being sarcastic. The thought crossed my mind if perhaps she was an ally in the war on delays, reflecting my irritation for those who delay simple fuel-buyers such as myself.

I moved up, now third in line. The new leader of our group discharged her fuel-only transaction with notable efficiency. Once more it happened: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” No, actually, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. Someone from the US? In Stourbridge? The pronunciation indicated it, and no British person wishes anyone those exact words, or merely a pleasant day. Very rare. It's uncommon to find US citizens knocking around Stourbridge, least of all holding jobs in fueling spots or other places.

Now I stood second. After an elderly lady engaged in a lengthy struggle with her basket, her purchases, her purse and her rewards card. This took an eternity. After she finished, she too received the wish a wonderful day. Definitely from the US. Confirming it was possible by cracking a joke at the cashier, to observe that response as they gaze at you, stoically, and reply with genuine earnest: “That is quite humorous.” Yet no idea came of anything hilarious to say.

In the end, I embraced the genuine warmth – or an impersonation of it, essentially the same as no different – while she stared me right in the eye, piercingly, and wished me an awesome day. I felt better for it. Beneficial indeed.