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This occurred on a day of rest, and I felt in a foul mood, refueling my mum’s car. This was a typical gas station that also functions as a convenience store, so you run the risk of ending up in line customers carrying goods of slightly overpriced groceries. This is a dreadful thing to unfold when your only desire is to complete a simple refueling. Awful.

Fourth in line I stood in the waiting line. There was only cashier operating, a young woman. A peculiar quality to her presence. After the ditherer at the front of the queue had completed payment for his purchases, a baked snack, and some breakfast items, It seemed to me overhearing the cashier bid him to have a great day. Unusual. Could be I misunderstood, or perhaps she spoke and meant it ironically. I pondered if she could even be a comrade in my battle with dithering, echoing my disdain for individuals slowing down simple fuel-buyers such as myself.

Advancing next, becoming the third customer. The next shopper of our group finished pumping gas with commendable speed. Again, the phrase came: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” To be precise, it was “have a wonderful day”. An American? In Stourbridge? Her tone suggested it, and few locals tells people those exact words, or simply a good day. Highly unusual. You don’t get many Americans knocking around Stourbridge, certainly not employed at gas stations or anywhere else.

Now I stood second. Behind a poor older woman embroiled in a protracted effort with her basket, her purchases, her purse and her rewards card. This took an eternity. Once completed, the woman also was wished a wonderful day. Clearly an American. I could have confirmed it by saying something hilarious to her, to check for that response when they look at you, stoically, and reply with genuine earnest: “You are very amusing.” But I couldn’t think of anything hilarious to say.

Ultimately, I accepted the heartfelt tone – or a performance of it, which amounts to no different – as she gazed directly into my eyes, piercingly, and wished me an awesome day. I felt better for it. It was a good thing.