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This occurred on a Sunday morning, and I felt sufficiently irritable, topping off my mother's vehicle. This was one of those petrol stations that also functions as a convenience store, so you run the risk of joining a queue customers carrying goods of pricey provisions. A terrible fate to unfold when the sole aim is to pay for some fuel. Dreadful.

My position was fourth among those waiting. There was only person serving, a youthful clerk. A peculiar quality about her. When the faffer at the first position had completed payment for his Viakal, a baked snack, and his box of eggs, I could have sworn I heard the cashier wish him a wonderful day. Unusual. Could be I misunderstood, or possibly she uttered it and used a mocking tone. The thought crossed my mind if she could even be an ally in the war on delays, reflecting my irritation for individuals slowing down people just getting gas like me.

I moved up, becoming the third customer. The new leader of our line finished pumping gas with notable efficiency. And there it was again: “Have a wonderful day.” To be precise, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. Someone from the US? Here in Stourbridge? She had the accent, and no British person wishes anyone such a cheerful phrase, or merely a pleasant day. Quite out of place. You don’t get people from America knocking around Stourbridge, least of all employed at gas stations or other places.

Second in line at last. Behind a poor older woman dealing with a right old battle with her basket, her food items, her purse and her membership pass. This took an eternity. When she was done, she too was wished to have a fantastic day. Yes, American for sure. I might have verified it by making a witty remark to her, to check for that reaction when they look at you, stoically, and reply with genuine earnest: “You are very amusing.” However, nothing occurred of anything hilarious to express.

Ultimately, I accepted the genuine warmth – or a mimicry of sincerity, that equates to no different – with which she looked straight at me, piercingly, and told me to have a great day. It improved my mood. It was a good thing.