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This occurred on a day of rest, and I was sufficiently irritable, filling up my mum’s car. The location was a typical gas station that operates as a convenience store, meaning there's a chance of waiting behind customers carrying goods of pricey provisions. It's an awful situation to happen when the sole aim is to pay for some fuel. Terrible.

My position was fourth in the queue. A single cashier operating, a young woman. Something stood out to her presence. Once the slowpoke at the first position had finally paid for his purchases, his pastry, and his box of eggs, I could have sworn I heard the cashier bid him a wonderful day. Unusual. Could be I misunderstood, or perhaps she spoke and meant it ironically. I pondered if she could even be an ally in my fight against faff, echoing my disdain for individuals slowing down people just getting gas including me.

I moved up, becoming the third customer. The next shopper of the queue discharged her fuel-only transaction with notable efficiency. Again, the phrase came: “Have a wonderful day.” No, actually, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. An American? Here in Stourbridge? She had the accent, and few locals says to others such a cheerful phrase, or merely a pleasant day. Highly unusual. It's uncommon to find people from America knocking around Stourbridge, and definitely not working in petrol stations or anywhere else.

Second in line at last. Following a senior shopper engaged in a lengthy struggle with her carryall, her groceries, her handbag and her loyalty card. It went on for ever. After she finished, she too got told an excellent day. Definitely from the US. I might have verified it by cracking a joke in her direction, to check for that thing when they look at you, unsmilingly, and say with absolute sincerity: “You are very amusing.” Yet no idea came of a jest to express.

In the end, I embraced for the absolute sincerity – or an impersonation of it, essentially the same as the same thing – while she stared directly into my eyes, piercingly, and bid me a wonderful day. I felt better for it. Beneficial indeed.