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The scene was a day of rest, and I felt grumpy enough, filling up my mother's vehicle. This was one of those petrol stations that also functions as a grocery store, meaning there's a chance of waiting behind shoppers with carts of slightly overpriced groceries. This is a dreadful thing to unfold when your only desire is to get gasoline and leave. Dreadful.

I was fourth in the waiting line. A single cashier operating, a young woman. Something stood out about her. When the faffer at the head of the line had at last settled for his Viakal, his pastry, and his box of eggs, I was certain overhearing the cashier wish him an excellent day. Odd. Could be I misunderstood, or possibly she uttered it and used a mocking tone. I pondered if she could even be a comrade in my battle with dithering, echoing my disdain for people who hold up people just getting gas like me.

Taking a step forward, to third in the queue. The next shopper of the queue completed her gasoline purchase with commendable speed. Again, the phrase came: “Have a wonderful day.” To be precise, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. An American? Here in Stourbridge? The pronunciation indicated it, and hardly anyone here wishes anyone a wonderful day, or merely a pleasant day. Quite out of place. Rarely does one encounter people from America knocking around Stourbridge, least of all holding jobs in fueling spots or elsewhere.

Now I stood second. Following a senior shopper embroiled in a lengthy struggle with her carryall, her food items, her wallet and her membership pass. It went on for ever. Once completed, she too was wished an excellent day. Clearly an American. I could have confirmed it by saying something hilarious in her direction, to observe that response as they gaze at you, without a smile, and reply with genuine earnest: “That is quite humorous.” But I couldn’t think of a funny comment to say.

In the end, I embraced the genuine warmth – or an impersonation of it, that equates to no different – as she gazed straight at me, piercingly, and told me to have a great day. It improved my mood. It was a good thing.