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It was a Sunday morning, and I was in a foul mood, refueling my mum’s car. This was a typical gas station that doubles as a supermarket, which often leads of ending up in line customers carrying goods of slightly overpriced groceries. This is a dreadful thing to happen when the sole aim is to get gasoline and leave. Terrible.

I was fourth among those waiting. Just one cashier operating, a youthful clerk. There was something unusual in her demeanor. When the faffer at the front of the queue had at last settled for his Viakal, his pastry, and some breakfast items, It seemed to me I heard the cashier bid him a wonderful day. Strange. Perhaps I’d misheard, or maybe she did say it and used a mocking tone. The thought crossed my mind if perhaps she was a supporter in the war on delays, sharing my contempt for those who delay people just getting gas including me.

I moved up, now third in line. The person ahead of our line discharged her fuel-only transaction with notable efficiency. And there it was again: “Have a wonderful day.” In fact, it was “have a wonderful day”. A stateside native? In Stourbridge? The pronunciation indicated it, and hardly anyone here wishes anyone those exact words, or merely a pleasant day. Highly unusual. Rarely does one encounter people from America visiting this town, certainly not employed at gas stations or other places.

Second in line at last. Following a senior shopper dealing with a protracted effort with her basket, her groceries, her handbag and her rewards card. The process dragged on. When she was done, she too received the wish a wonderful day. Clearly an American. Confirming it was possible by making a witty remark in her direction, to check for that thing when they look at you, without a smile, and state very earnestly: “That is quite humorous.” Yet no idea came of a funny comment to utter.

Ultimately, I accepted the genuine warmth – or a performance of it, essentially the same as identical in effect – with which she looked straight at me, deep into my soul, and told me to have a great day. I felt better for it. A positive experience.