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It was a day of rest, and I was sufficiently irritable, filling up my mum’s car. The location was a common fuel stop that also functions as a supermarket, meaning there's a chance of waiting behind shoppers with carts of pricey provisions. A terrible fate to unfold when all you want is to get gasoline and leave. Terrible.

I was fourth among those waiting. There was only person serving, a youthful clerk. A peculiar quality to her presence. When the faffer at the head of the line had completed payment for his Viakal, his pastry, and his box of eggs, I was certain I heard the cashier wish him a wonderful day. Strange. Perhaps I’d misheard, or perhaps she spoke and used a mocking tone. I wondered if perhaps she was an ally in my battle with dithering, sharing my contempt for individuals slowing down simple fuel-buyers like me.

Advancing next, now third in line. The new leader of our group completed her gasoline purchase with impressive quickness. 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? At this location? Her tone suggested it, and few locals tells people such a cheerful phrase, or merely a pleasant day. Highly unusual. Rarely does one encounter US citizens knocking around Stourbridge, certainly not employed at gas stations or other places.

I was second now. After an elderly lady dealing with a protracted effort with her carryall, her groceries, her purse and her membership pass. It went on for ever. Once completed, she as well received the wish to have a fantastic day. Clearly an American. I could have confirmed it by cracking a joke at the cashier, to check for that thing as they gaze at you, unsmilingly, and reply with genuine earnest: “You are very amusing.” However, nothing occurred of a funny comment to utter.

In the end, I embraced for the absolute sincerity – or a performance of it, essentially the same as the same thing – while she stared directly into my eyes, deep into my soul, and wished me to have a great day. It improved my mood. A positive experience.