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The scene was a weekend morning, and I found myself grumpy enough, topping off my mother's vehicle. This was a common fuel stop that also functions as a convenience store, so you run the risk of waiting behind customers carrying goods of slightly overpriced groceries. It's an awful situation to happen when your only desire is to pay for some fuel. Terrible.

I was fourth in the queue. Just one employee working, a youthful clerk. Something stood out in her demeanor. When the faffer at the first position had completed payment for his Viakal, his sausage roll, and some breakfast items, I was certain overhearing the cashier wish him an excellent day. Strange. Maybe it was a mistake, or maybe she did say it and was being sarcastic. I wondered if she might actually be a supporter in my battle with dithering, reflecting my irritation for those who delay people just getting gas including me.

Advancing next, to third in the queue. The person ahead of our group discharged her fuel-only transaction with commendable speed. And there it was again: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” To be precise, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. Someone from the US? In Stourbridge? She had the accent, and hardly anyone here says to others a wonderful day, or even just a nice day. Quite out of place. It's uncommon to find many Americans knocking around Stourbridge, and definitely not working in petrol stations or elsewhere.

Second in line at last. Behind a poor older woman embroiled in a lengthy struggle with her carryall, her food items, her wallet and her loyalty card. This took an eternity. When she was done, the woman also was wished an excellent day. Yes, American for sure. Confirming it was possible by saying something hilarious at the cashier, to check for that reaction their typical stare, unsmilingly, and say with absolute sincerity: “You are very amusing.” Yet no idea came of anything hilarious to utter.

I just had to settle the genuine warmth – or a performance of it, that equates to identical in effect – with which she looked me right in the eye, deep into my soul, and told me to have a great day. I felt better for it. It was a good thing.