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This occurred on a day of rest, and I found myself sufficiently irritable, filling up my mother's vehicle. The location was a common fuel stop that doubles as a supermarket, meaning there's a chance of ending up in line shoppers with carts of slightly overpriced groceries. This is a dreadful thing to unfold when the sole aim is to pay for some fuel. Awful.

I was fourth in the waiting line. A single person serving, a young woman. There was something unusual about her. When the faffer at the first position had finally paid for his Viakal, a baked snack, and a carton of eggs, I could have sworn I heard the cashier bid him an excellent day. Strange. Could be I misunderstood, or maybe she did say it and was being sarcastic. I pondered if she could even be a supporter in my battle with dithering, sharing my contempt for people who hold up people just getting gas like me.

I moved up, to third in the queue. The new leader of the queue finished pumping gas with commendable speed. Once more it happened: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” No, actually, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. An American? At this location? She had the accent, and no British person says to others such a cheerful phrase, or merely a pleasant day. Very rare. Rarely does one encounter many Americans knocking around Stourbridge, certainly not holding jobs in fueling spots or elsewhere.

Now I stood second. After an elderly lady dealing with a protracted effort with her carryall, her groceries, her purse and her loyalty card. This took an eternity. When she was done, she as well was wished an excellent day. Definitely from the US. I could have confirmed it by cracking a joke in her direction, to see if she did that thing their typical stare, without a smile, and state very earnestly: “You are very amusing.” However, nothing occurred of anything hilarious to express.

Ultimately, I accepted for the absolute sincerity – or a mimicry of sincerity, which amounts to no different – while she stared straight at me, deep into my soul, and wished me to have a great day. My spirits lifted. It was a good thing.