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The scene was a Sunday morning, and I found myself sufficiently irritable, refueling my mum’s car. The location was a typical gas station that also functions as a convenience store, which often leads of joining a queue shoppers with carts of somewhat expensive items. This is a dreadful thing to happen when all you want is to get gasoline and leave. Terrible.

Fourth in line I stood in the waiting line. Just one person serving, a young woman. There was something unusual to her presence. Once the slowpoke at the head of the line had finally paid for his Viakal, his pastry, and his box of eggs, It seemed to me I heard the cashier tell him a wonderful day. Unusual. Perhaps I’d misheard, or perhaps she spoke and used a mocking tone. The thought crossed my mind if she might actually be a supporter in my fight against faff, sharing my contempt for people who hold up people just getting gas including me.

I moved up, becoming the third customer. The person ahead of the queue completed her gasoline purchase with notable efficiency. Once more it happened: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” In fact, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. A stateside native? In Stourbridge? The pronunciation indicated it, and few locals wishes anyone those exact words, or even just a nice day. Highly unusual. You don’t get 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 carryall, her purchases, her wallet and her loyalty card. It went on for ever. When she was done, she too got told an excellent day. Clearly an American. I could have confirmed it by making a witty remark at the cashier, to observe that response as they gaze at you, without a smile, and say with absolute sincerity: “You are very amusing.” Yet no idea came of a funny comment to utter.

I just had to settle the genuine warmth – or a performance of it, that equates to no different – with which she looked straight at me, deep into my soul, and bid me an awesome day. It improved my mood. A positive experience.