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This occurred on a Sunday morning, and I was grumpy enough, refueling my mother's vehicle. This was one of those petrol stations that also functions as a convenience store, which often leads of ending up in line shoppers with carts of slightly overpriced groceries. This is a dreadful thing to happen when all you want is to get gasoline and leave. Awful.

My position was fourth among those waiting. Just one employee working, a youthful clerk. A peculiar quality in her demeanor. After the ditherer at the first position had at last settled for a cleaning product, his sausage roll, and some breakfast items, It seemed to me I heard the cashier bid him to have a great day. Strange. Could be I misunderstood, or perhaps she spoke and was being sarcastic. I wondered if she might actually be a supporter in my fight against faff, reflecting my irritation for individuals slowing down straightforward customers like me.

I moved up, to third in the queue. The new leader of our line completed her gasoline purchase with notable efficiency. Again, the phrase came: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” To be precise, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. A stateside native? At this location? The pronunciation indicated it, and no British person tells people those exact words, or even just a nice day. Very rare. It's uncommon to find people from America frequenting this area, and definitely not holding jobs in fueling spots or other places.

I was second now. After an elderly lady dealing with a protracted effort with her shopping cart, her purchases, her handbag and her membership pass. This took an eternity. After she finished, the woman also received the wish a wonderful day. Clearly an American. I could have confirmed it by saying something hilarious to her, to observe that reaction as they gaze at you, stoically, and reply with genuine earnest: “That’s really funny.” However, nothing occurred of a funny comment to express.

I just had to settle the heartfelt tone – or a performance of it, which amounts to no different – while she stared directly into my eyes, deep into my soul, and bid me an awesome day. I felt better for it. It was a good thing.