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The scene was a weekend morning, and I was grumpy enough, filling up my mum’s car. It was a typical gas station that doubles as a convenience store, meaning there's a chance of ending up in line customers carrying goods of slightly overpriced groceries. A terrible fate to unfold when your only desire is to get gasoline and leave. Dreadful.

I was fourth in the waiting line. There was only employee working, a youthful clerk. There was something unusual in her demeanor. After the ditherer at the head of the line had completed payment for his purchases, his pastry, and a carton of eggs, It seemed to me overhearing the cashier wish him to have a great day. Strange. Maybe it was a mistake, or maybe she did say it and meant it ironically. I pondered if she could even be a supporter in my fight against faff, echoing my disdain for people who hold up simple fuel-buyers such as myself.

I moved up, now third in line. The person ahead of our group finished pumping gas with notable efficiency. And there it was again: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” No, actually, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. A stateside native? In Stourbridge? Her tone suggested it, and hardly anyone here wishes anyone such a cheerful phrase, or merely a pleasant day. Quite out of place. Rarely does one encounter US citizens knocking around Stourbridge, least of all holding jobs in fueling spots or anywhere else.

Second in line at last. Behind a poor older woman embroiled in a protracted effort with her carryall, her purchases, her handbag and her rewards card. The process dragged on. Once completed, she as well got told an excellent day. Definitely from the US. I could have confirmed it by cracking a joke at the cashier, to check for that reaction their typical stare, unsmilingly, and state very earnestly: “That is quite humorous.” Yet no idea came of a funny comment to express.

Ultimately, I accepted the genuine warmth – or an impersonation of it, essentially the same as no different – as she gazed directly into my eyes, piercingly, and wished me to have a great day. I felt better for it. A positive experience.