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This occurred on a weekend morning, and I was grumpy enough, refueling my mum’s car. It was a typical gas station that doubles as a supermarket, so you run the risk of joining a queue customers carrying goods of pricey provisions. It's an awful situation to happen when all you want is to get gasoline and leave. Dreadful.

I was fourth among those waiting. A single cashier operating, a youthful clerk. A peculiar quality to her presence. When the faffer at the head of the line had at last settled for his Viakal, his sausage roll, and some breakfast items, I was certain that I heard the cashier wish him a wonderful day. Strange. Could be I misunderstood, or perhaps she spoke and was being sarcastic. The thought crossed my mind if perhaps she was a supporter in my fight against faff, sharing my contempt for individuals slowing down simple fuel-buyers like me.

Taking a step forward, now third in line. The next shopper of our line discharged her fuel-only transaction with notable efficiency. And there it was again: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” No, actually, it was “have a wonderful day”. An American? At this location? Her tone suggested it, and no British person tells people a wonderful day, or simply a good day. Highly unusual. It's uncommon to find many Americans frequenting this area, and definitely not working in petrol stations or other places.

Now I stood second. After an elderly lady embroiled in a protracted effort with her shopping cart, her food items, her purse and her rewards card. The process dragged on. Once completed, she too received the wish to have a fantastic day. Yes, American for sure. I could have confirmed it by cracking a joke at the cashier, to see if she did that response their typical stare, stoically, and say with absolute sincerity: “That’s really funny.” However, nothing occurred of anything hilarious to express.

I just had to settle the genuine warmth – or a mimicry of sincerity, that equates to identical in effect – while she stared directly into my eyes, piercingly, and told me to have a great day. It improved my mood. It was a good thing.