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This occurred on a day of rest, and I felt grumpy enough, refueling the family car. The location was a common fuel stop that also functions as a convenience store, which often leads of waiting behind shoppers with carts of pricey provisions. This is a dreadful thing to happen when your only desire is to complete a simple refueling. Awful.

I was fourth in the waiting line. A single person serving, a youthful clerk. A peculiar quality in her demeanor. When the faffer at the front of the queue had at last settled for his Viakal, his pastry, and some breakfast items, I was certain overhearing the cashier bid him a wonderful day. Unusual. Perhaps I’d misheard, or perhaps she spoke and meant it ironically. The thought crossed my mind if she could even be a supporter in my fight against faff, reflecting my irritation for people who hold up people just getting gas including me.

Advancing next, becoming the third customer. The person ahead of our line discharged her fuel-only transaction with commendable speed. Once more it happened: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” To be precise, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. Someone from the US? In Stourbridge? The pronunciation indicated it, and few locals says to others such a cheerful phrase, or merely a pleasant day. Very rare. Rarely does one encounter many Americans knocking around Stourbridge, certainly not employed at gas stations or other places.

Second in line at last. Behind a poor older woman engaged in a protracted effort with her shopping cart, her groceries, her wallet and her rewards card. The process dragged on. After she finished, she too was wished a wonderful day. Yes, American for sure. I could have confirmed it by making a witty remark in her direction, to see if she did that thing as they gaze at you, unsmilingly, and state very earnestly: “That is quite humorous.” However, nothing occurred of a funny comment to express.

In the end, I embraced for the absolute sincerity – or a performance of it, essentially the same as no different – with which she looked directly into my eyes, deep into my soul, and bid me to have a great day. My spirits lifted. Beneficial indeed.