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This occurred on a weekend morning, and I felt in a foul mood, refueling my mother's vehicle. The location was a common fuel stop that operates as a convenience store, meaning there's a chance of waiting behind customers carrying goods of slightly overpriced groceries. This is a dreadful thing to happen when your only desire is to complete a simple refueling. Terrible.

Fourth in line I stood among those waiting. Just one person serving, a female attendant. A peculiar quality to her presence. Once the slowpoke at the head of the line had finally paid for his purchases, his sausage roll, and a carton of eggs, I was certain that I heard the cashier bid him an excellent day. Odd. Maybe it was a mistake, or maybe she did say it and meant it ironically. The thought crossed my mind if she could even be a comrade in my battle with dithering, echoing my disdain for people who hold up straightforward customers including me.

Taking a step forward, now third in line. The next shopper of our line discharged her fuel-only transaction with notable efficiency. Once more it happened: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” In fact, it was “have a wonderful day”. Someone from the US? Here in Stourbridge? Her tone suggested it, and hardly anyone here says to others those exact words, or simply a good day. Quite out of place. You don’t get many Americans knocking around Stourbridge, and definitely not holding jobs in fueling spots or elsewhere.

I was second now. Following a senior shopper dealing with a right old battle with her carryall, her purchases, her handbag and her loyalty card. It went on for ever. After she finished, she too was wished an excellent day. Clearly an American. Confirming it was possible by cracking a joke in her direction, to check for that reaction as they gaze at you, without a smile, and say with absolute sincerity: “That is quite humorous.” Yet no idea came of anything hilarious to say.

I just had to settle for the absolute sincerity – or an impersonation of it, which amounts to the same thing – as she gazed straight at me, piercingly, and wished me an awesome day. My spirits lifted. A positive experience.