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It was a weekend morning, and I felt grumpy enough, filling up my mother's vehicle. It was one of those petrol stations that operates as a convenience store, which often leads of waiting behind customers carrying goods of pricey provisions. A terrible fate to happen when your only desire is to get gasoline and leave. Dreadful.

I was fourth in the waiting line. There was only person serving, a youthful clerk. There was something unusual in her demeanor. After the ditherer at the front of the queue had completed payment for a cleaning product, his sausage roll, and his box of eggs, It seemed to me that I heard the cashier tell him a wonderful day. Odd. Perhaps I’d misheard, or perhaps she spoke and was being sarcastic. I wondered if she might actually be a supporter in the war on delays, reflecting my irritation for individuals slowing down straightforward customers such as myself.

Taking a step forward, to third in the queue. The next shopper of our group completed her gasoline purchase with commendable speed. Again, the phrase came: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” To be precise, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. An American? At this location? She had the accent, and no British person says to others such a cheerful phrase, or merely a pleasant day. Very rare. Rarely does one encounter many Americans frequenting this area, certainly not holding jobs in fueling spots or elsewhere.

Second in line at last. Following a senior shopper engaged in a protracted effort with her basket, her food items, her handbag and her loyalty card. This took an eternity. When she was done, she too got told an excellent day. Definitely from the US. I could have confirmed it by cracking a joke in her direction, to observe that response their typical stare, stoically, and say with absolute sincerity: “That is quite humorous.” But I couldn’t think of a funny comment to utter.

Ultimately, I accepted the heartfelt tone – or a mimicry of sincerity, that equates to the same thing – with which she looked directly into my eyes, to my very core, and wished me an awesome day. I felt better for it. A positive experience.