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The scene was a weekend morning, and I felt in a foul mood, refueling the family car. The location was a typical gas station that doubles as a convenience store, so you run the risk of joining a queue shoppers with carts of slightly overpriced groceries. This is a dreadful thing to unfold when your only desire is to get gasoline and leave. Dreadful.

Fourth in line I stood among those waiting. A single person serving, a young woman. There was something unusual in her demeanor. After the ditherer at the front of the queue had at last settled for his purchases, his pastry, and his box of eggs, I was certain overhearing the cashier bid him to have a great day. Unusual. Could be I misunderstood, or possibly she uttered it and used a mocking tone. The thought crossed my mind if perhaps she was an ally in the war on delays, reflecting my irritation for those who delay people just getting gas including me.

I moved up, to third in the queue. The person ahead of our line finished pumping gas with impressive quickness. Again, the phrase came: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” No, actually, it was “have a wonderful day”. Someone from the US? In Stourbridge? She had the accent, and few locals wishes anyone such a cheerful phrase, or even just a nice day. Highly unusual. Rarely does one encounter many Americans visiting this town, least of all holding jobs in fueling spots or elsewhere.

Now I stood second. After an elderly lady dealing with a protracted effort with her shopping cart, her purchases, her purse and her membership pass. This took an eternity. After she finished, she too got told an excellent day. Yes, American for sure. I might have verified it by cracking a joke in her direction, to observe that thing their typical stare, unsmilingly, and say with absolute sincerity: “You are very amusing.” However, nothing occurred of a funny comment to express.

I just had to settle the heartfelt tone – or a performance of it, essentially the same as the same thing – with which she looked straight at me, deep into my soul, and bid me an awesome day. I felt better for it. A positive experience.