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It was a day of rest, and I found myself in a foul mood, topping off my mum’s car. It 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. It's an awful situation to occur when your only desire is to get gasoline and leave. Dreadful.

I was fourth among those waiting. Just one person serving, a young woman. Something stood out about her. When the faffer at the first position had finally paid for his purchases, his pastry, and a carton of eggs, I was certain that I heard the cashier bid him a wonderful day. Unusual. Could be I misunderstood, or perhaps she spoke and used a mocking tone. I wondered if perhaps she was an ally in my fight against faff, sharing my contempt for those who delay people just getting gas such as myself.

Taking a step forward, to third in the queue. The person ahead of the queue completed her gasoline purchase with commendable speed. And there it was again: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” In fact, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. Someone from the US? In Stourbridge? She had the accent, and hardly anyone here says to others such a cheerful phrase, or simply a good day. Very rare. It's uncommon to find people from America knocking around Stourbridge, and definitely not employed at gas stations or anywhere else.

Second in line at last. Following a senior shopper engaged in a lengthy struggle with her basket, her purchases, her handbag and her rewards card. It went on for ever. Once completed, she as well got told an excellent day. Definitely from the US. I might have verified it by cracking a joke in her direction, to see if she did that reaction when they look at you, stoically, and state very earnestly: “That is quite humorous.” But I couldn’t think of a funny comment to express.

I just had to settle for the absolute sincerity – or an impersonation of it, essentially the same as identical in effect – as she gazed straight at me, deep into my soul, and wished me to have a great day. I felt better for it. It was a good thing.