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This occurred on a day of rest, and I found myself in a foul mood, topping off my mum’s car. The location was a typical gas station that doubles as a convenience store, which often leads of waiting behind customers carrying goods of somewhat expensive items. It's an awful situation to happen when the sole aim is to pay for some fuel. Dreadful.

Fourth in line I stood in the queue. There was only person serving, a young woman. There was something unusual to her presence. Once the slowpoke at the front of the queue had at last settled for his purchases, his pastry, and some breakfast items, I could have sworn overhearing the cashier tell him a wonderful day. Strange. Maybe it was a mistake, or possibly she uttered it and was being sarcastic. I wondered if she might actually be an ally in my battle with dithering, reflecting my irritation for those who delay simple fuel-buyers like me.

Advancing next, now third in line. The person ahead of our group finished pumping gas with impressive quickness. Once more it happened: “Have a wonderful day.” In fact, it was “have a wonderful day”. An American? Here in Stourbridge? She had the accent, and few locals tells people such a cheerful phrase, or merely a pleasant day. Highly unusual. You don’t get people from America frequenting this area, certainly not working in petrol stations or elsewhere.

Now I stood second. Following a senior shopper dealing with a right old battle with her carryall, her food items, her wallet and her membership pass. The process dragged on. When she was done, the woman also was wished a wonderful day. Clearly an American. Confirming it was possible by saying something hilarious to her, to observe that reaction their typical stare, without a smile, and state very earnestly: “That is quite humorous.” However, nothing occurred of a funny comment to express.

I just had to settle for the absolute sincerity – or a mimicry of sincerity, that equates to the same thing – with which she looked me right in the eye, to my very core, and bid me a wonderful day. I felt better for it. Beneficial indeed.