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The scene was a day of rest, and I found myself in a foul mood, filling up the family car. This was a common fuel stop that doubles 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 occur when the sole aim is to complete a simple refueling. Dreadful.

Fourth in line I stood among those waiting. There was only cashier operating, a female attendant. A peculiar quality to her presence. After the ditherer at the head of the line had completed payment for his Viakal, a baked snack, and a carton of eggs, I could have sworn overhearing the cashier wish him an excellent day. Unusual. Maybe it was a mistake, or possibly she uttered it and was being sarcastic. I pondered if she could even be a supporter in my fight against faff, reflecting my irritation for individuals slowing down simple fuel-buyers such as myself.

I moved up, becoming the third customer. The new leader of our group finished pumping gas with commendable speed. Again, the phrase came: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” In fact, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. An American? In Stourbridge? She had the accent, and hardly anyone here wishes anyone those exact words, or merely a pleasant day. Highly unusual. You don’t get US citizens knocking around Stourbridge, certainly not holding jobs in fueling spots or other places.

I was second now. Behind a poor older woman engaged in a protracted effort with her shopping cart, her food items, her purse and her membership pass. The process dragged on. Once completed, the woman also was wished a wonderful day. Yes, American for sure. I might have verified it by saying something hilarious to her, to check for that thing their typical stare, stoically, and reply with genuine earnest: “You are very amusing.” Yet no idea came of a funny comment to say.

Ultimately, I accepted the genuine warmth – or a mimicry of sincerity, which amounts to identical in effect – with which she looked directly into my eyes, deep into my soul, and bid me a wonderful day. My spirits lifted. A positive experience.