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This occurred on a weekend morning, and I was in a foul mood, topping off my mum’s car. The location was one of those petrol stations that also functions as a supermarket, so you run the risk of joining a queue shoppers with carts of pricey provisions. This is a dreadful thing to unfold when the sole aim is to complete a simple refueling. Dreadful.

I was fourth in the waiting line. Just one person serving, a youthful clerk. A peculiar quality about her. Once the slowpoke at the front of the queue had at last settled for a cleaning product, his sausage roll, and his box of eggs, It seemed to me that I heard the cashier bid him a wonderful day. Strange. Perhaps I’d misheard, or perhaps she spoke and meant it ironically. I pondered if she could even be an ally in the war on delays, reflecting my irritation for individuals slowing down people just getting gas such as myself.

Taking a step forward, now third in line. The next shopper of our line finished pumping gas with impressive quickness. Again, the phrase came: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” In fact, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. An American? At this location? She had the accent, and few locals wishes anyone those exact words, or even just a nice day. Quite out of place. Rarely does one encounter US citizens visiting this town, and definitely not holding jobs in fueling spots or other places.

Now I stood second. After an elderly lady engaged in a right old battle with her shopping cart, her purchases, her purse and her membership pass. It went on for ever. Once completed, she as well was wished a wonderful day. Clearly an American. Confirming it was possible by saying something hilarious to her, to check for that thing their typical stare, unsmilingly, and reply with genuine earnest: “You are very amusing.” Yet no idea came of a funny comment to utter.

In the end, I embraced the heartfelt tone – or a performance of it, that equates to identical in effect – while she stared straight at me, deep into my soul, and wished me to have a great day. I felt better for it. A positive experience.