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This occurred on a day of rest, and I felt sufficiently irritable, refueling my mother's vehicle. This was a typical gas station that operates as a convenience store, meaning there's a chance of joining a queue customers carrying goods of somewhat expensive items. It's an awful situation to unfold when the sole aim is to get gasoline and leave. Awful.

Fourth in line I stood in the queue. There was only employee working, a young woman. There was something unusual to her presence. Once the slowpoke at the head of the line had at last settled for his Viakal, his sausage roll, and a carton of eggs, I was certain I heard the cashier wish him a wonderful day. Odd. Could be I misunderstood, or perhaps she spoke and was being sarcastic. I pondered if she might actually be a supporter in my fight against faff, reflecting my irritation for individuals slowing down simple fuel-buyers such as myself.

I moved up, to third in the queue. The person ahead of the queue finished pumping gas with notable efficiency. Again, the phrase came: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” In fact, it was “have a wonderful day”. A stateside native? In Stourbridge? The pronunciation indicated it, and no British person says to others such a cheerful phrase, or even just a nice day. Quite out of place. Rarely does one encounter people from America knocking around Stourbridge, and definitely not working in petrol stations or elsewhere.

Now I stood second. After an elderly lady embroiled in a protracted effort with her basket, her groceries, her purse and her loyalty card. This took an eternity. After she finished, she as well got told an excellent day. Definitely from the US. I could have confirmed it by making a witty remark in her direction, to see if she did that reaction their typical stare, without a smile, and reply with genuine earnest: “That’s really funny.” However, nothing occurred of a funny comment to utter.

I just had to settle for the absolute sincerity – or a performance of it, that equates to no different – with which she looked me right in the eye, deep into my soul, and bid me a wonderful day. My spirits lifted. It was a good thing.