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The scene was a Sunday morning, and I was in a foul mood, topping off the family car. The location was one of those petrol stations that also functions as a supermarket, which often leads of joining a queue people bearing baskets of slightly overpriced groceries. This is a dreadful thing to happen when the sole aim is to pay for some fuel. Awful.

I was fourth among those waiting. Just one cashier operating, a young woman. A peculiar quality about her. After the ditherer at the first position had at last settled for a cleaning product, a baked snack, and some breakfast items, It seemed to me that I heard the cashier tell him an excellent day. Unusual. Maybe it was a mistake, or maybe she did say it and was being sarcastic. The thought crossed my mind if she might actually be a supporter in my fight against faff, reflecting my irritation for individuals slowing down people just getting gas like me.

Advancing next, becoming the third customer. The next shopper of the queue completed her gasoline purchase with commendable speed. And there it was again: “Have a wonderful day.” To be precise, it was “have a wonderful day”. Someone from the US? At this location? She had the accent, and no British person says to others a wonderful day, or even just a nice day. Quite out of place. You don’t get people from America frequenting this area, least of all holding jobs in fueling spots or other places.

Second in line at last. After an elderly lady engaged in a protracted effort with her shopping cart, her purchases, her wallet and her loyalty card. This took an eternity. Once completed, she too was wished a wonderful day. Clearly an American. Confirming it was possible by making a witty remark in her direction, to check for that thing their typical stare, unsmilingly, and state very earnestly: “You are very amusing.” Yet no idea came of a jest to say.

In the end, I embraced the heartfelt tone – or an impersonation of it, that equates to the same thing – as she gazed directly into my eyes, piercingly, and bid me a wonderful day. I felt better for it. It was a good thing.