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This occurred on a weekend morning, and I felt in a foul mood, refueling the family car. The location was a common fuel stop that doubles as a convenience store, so you run the risk of joining a queue shoppers with carts of slightly overpriced groceries. This is a dreadful thing to unfold when the sole aim is to complete a simple refueling. Terrible.

Fourth in line I stood among those waiting. A single cashier operating, a female attendant. There was something unusual in her demeanor. After the ditherer at the head of the line had finally paid for his purchases, a baked snack, and a carton of eggs, It seemed to me I heard the cashier bid him an excellent day. Odd. Perhaps I’d misheard, or maybe she did say it and meant it ironically. The thought crossed my mind if perhaps she was a supporter in my fight against faff, echoing my disdain for those who delay simple fuel-buyers such as myself.

Taking a step forward, becoming the third customer. The person ahead of our group discharged her fuel-only transaction with impressive quickness. Once more it happened: “Have a wonderful day.” No, actually, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. An American? Here in Stourbridge? Her tone suggested it, and few locals wishes anyone a wonderful day, or even just a nice day. Quite out of place. Rarely does one encounter many Americans knocking around Stourbridge, and definitely not working in petrol stations or elsewhere.

Second in line at last. Behind a poor older woman engaged in a right old battle with her basket, her groceries, her wallet and her rewards card. It went on for ever. After she finished, she too was wished a wonderful day. Definitely from the US. I might have verified it by making a witty remark in her direction, to see if she did that response as they gaze at you, without a smile, and state very earnestly: “That’s really funny.” But I couldn’t think of anything hilarious to express.

In the end, I embraced the genuine warmth – or an impersonation of it, essentially the same as no different – with which she looked directly into my eyes, piercingly, and wished me to have a great day. I felt better for it. Beneficial indeed.