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It was a weekend morning, and I found myself in a foul mood, filling up 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 people bearing baskets of somewhat expensive items. This is a dreadful thing to unfold when the sole aim is to pay for some fuel. Awful.

Fourth in line I stood among those waiting. Just one person serving, a female attendant. A peculiar quality to her presence. Once the slowpoke at the head of the line had at last settled for a cleaning product, his sausage roll, and some breakfast items, I could have sworn I heard the cashier wish him a wonderful day. Odd. Could be I misunderstood, or maybe she did say it and used a mocking tone. I wondered if she might actually be a comrade in my fight against faff, sharing my contempt for those who delay straightforward customers such as myself.

Advancing next, becoming the third customer. The next shopper of our line discharged her fuel-only transaction with notable efficiency. Once more it happened: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” No, actually, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. A stateside native? In Stourbridge? The pronunciation indicated it, and few locals tells people a wonderful day, or even just a nice day. Very rare. You don’t get many Americans knocking around Stourbridge, least of all employed at gas stations or other places.

I was second now. Following a senior shopper dealing with a protracted effort with her carryall, her food items, her purse and her loyalty card. The process dragged on. After she finished, she too got told a wonderful day. Definitely from the US. I might have verified it by making a witty remark at the cashier, to check for that thing as they gaze at you, without a smile, and state very earnestly: “That’s really funny.” But I couldn’t think of a jest to utter.

I just had to settle the heartfelt tone – or an impersonation of it, which amounts to identical in effect – while she stared straight at me, to my very core, and bid me to have a great day. It improved my mood. A positive experience.