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This occurred on a day of rest, and I was sufficiently irritable, topping off the family car. This was one of those petrol stations that doubles as a grocery store, meaning there's a chance of ending up in line customers carrying goods of somewhat expensive items. A terrible fate to happen when your only desire is to get gasoline and leave. Terrible.

My position was fourth in the waiting line. There was only person serving, a female attendant. There was something unusual about her. After the ditherer at the first position had finally paid for a cleaning product, his sausage roll, and some breakfast items, I could have sworn that I heard the cashier wish him an excellent day. Strange. Maybe it was a mistake, or perhaps she spoke and used a mocking tone. I pondered if she could even be a comrade in the war on delays, sharing my contempt for those who delay people just getting gas such as myself.

Taking a step forward, to third in the queue. The new leader of our line discharged her fuel-only transaction with notable efficiency. And there it was again: “Have a wonderful day.” In fact, it was “have a wonderful day”. An American? At this location? The pronunciation indicated it, and no British person says to others those exact words, or even just a nice day. Quite out of place. You don’t get many Americans visiting this town, least of all employed at gas stations or elsewhere.

I was second now. Following a senior shopper engaged in a lengthy struggle with her shopping cart, her food items, her wallet and her rewards card. It went on for ever. When she was done, she as well received the wish an excellent day. Definitely from the US. I might have verified it by saying something hilarious to her, to check for that response when they look at you, without a smile, and reply with genuine earnest: “That’s really funny.” Yet no idea came of a jest to utter.

Ultimately, I accepted for the absolute sincerity – or an impersonation of it, which amounts to the same thing – with which she looked straight at me, to my very core, and bid me an awesome day. I felt better for it. Beneficial indeed.