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It was a weekend morning, and I felt grumpy enough, filling up my mother's vehicle. This was one of those petrol stations that also functions as a supermarket, so you run the risk of joining a queue customers carrying goods of pricey provisions. This is a dreadful thing to happen when all you want is to complete a simple refueling. Dreadful.

My position was fourth in the queue. A single cashier operating, a female attendant. There was something unusual in her demeanor. Once the slowpoke at the front of the queue had completed payment for a cleaning product, his pastry, and his box of eggs, I could have sworn I heard the cashier tell him to have a great day. Unusual. Perhaps I’d misheard, or maybe she did say it and used a mocking tone. I wondered if perhaps she was a supporter in my fight against faff, echoing my disdain for those who delay simple fuel-buyers including me.

Taking a step forward, now third in line. The next shopper of our line completed her gasoline purchase with impressive quickness. And there it was again: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” To be precise, it was “have a wonderful day”. A stateside native? Here in Stourbridge? The pronunciation indicated it, and no British person wishes anyone those exact words, or merely a pleasant day. Quite out of place. It's uncommon to find US citizens visiting this town, least of all holding jobs in fueling spots or other places.

I was second now. Behind a poor older woman dealing with a protracted effort with her carryall, her groceries, her handbag and her loyalty card. This took an eternity. When she was done, she as well was wished an excellent day. Clearly an American. I could have confirmed it by making a witty remark at the cashier, to observe that reaction when they look at you, stoically, and state very earnestly: “That’s really funny.” Yet no idea came of a funny comment to utter.

Ultimately, I accepted the genuine warmth – or a performance of it, essentially the same as identical in effect – while she stared straight at me, to my very core, and told me to have a great day. It improved my mood. It was a good thing.