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It was a day of rest, and I found myself sufficiently irritable, filling up my mother's vehicle. This was a common fuel stop that doubles as a grocery store, meaning there's a chance of ending up in line shoppers with carts of slightly overpriced groceries. It's an awful situation to unfold when the sole aim is to get gasoline and leave. Terrible.

I was fourth in the queue. A single cashier operating, a female attendant. A peculiar quality in her demeanor. After the ditherer at the first position had completed payment for his Viakal, his pastry, and a carton of eggs, It seemed to me that I heard the cashier wish him an excellent day. Strange. Perhaps I’d misheard, or maybe she did say it and used a mocking tone. The thought crossed my mind if she might actually be a supporter in my battle with dithering, reflecting my irritation for people who hold up straightforward customers such as myself.

Advancing next, to third in the queue. The person ahead of the queue discharged her fuel-only transaction with notable efficiency. Once more it happened: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” To be precise, it was “have a wonderful day”. A stateside native? In Stourbridge? She had the accent, and few locals tells people a wonderful day, or merely a pleasant day. Quite out of place. It's uncommon to find people from America visiting this town, and definitely not holding jobs in fueling spots or anywhere else.

I was second now. Following a senior shopper dealing with a lengthy struggle with her basket, her purchases, her purse and her rewards card. This took an eternity. When she was done, the woman also received the wish to have a fantastic day. Yes, American for sure. I could have confirmed it by making a witty remark to her, to observe that reaction as they gaze at you, without a smile, and reply with genuine earnest: “That is quite humorous.” But I couldn’t think of anything hilarious to say.

Ultimately, I accepted the heartfelt tone – or an impersonation of it, which amounts to no different – while she stared me right in the eye, piercingly, and wished me an awesome day. I felt better for it. Beneficial indeed.