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The scene was a Sunday morning, and I felt grumpy enough, topping off my mum’s car. This was a common fuel stop that operates as a supermarket, so you run the risk of ending up in line shoppers with carts of pricey provisions. This is a dreadful thing to occur when all you want is to pay for some fuel. Terrible.

Fourth in line I stood in the queue. There was only cashier operating, a young woman. A peculiar quality to her presence. After the ditherer at the first position had at last settled for a cleaning product, his sausage roll, and a carton of eggs, It seemed to me overhearing the cashier tell him an excellent day. Odd. Could be I misunderstood, or possibly she uttered it and was being sarcastic. The thought crossed my mind if perhaps she was a supporter in my battle with dithering, echoing my disdain for individuals slowing down straightforward customers such as myself.

I moved up, now third in line. The next shopper of the queue completed her gasoline purchase with commendable speed. Once more it happened: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” In fact, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. A stateside native? At this location? Her tone suggested it, and hardly anyone here tells people such a cheerful phrase, or simply a good day. Very rare. Rarely does one encounter people from America visiting this town, certainly not employed at gas stations or anywhere else.

I was second now. Following a senior shopper engaged in a protracted effort with her basket, her purchases, her wallet and her membership pass. This took an eternity. After she finished, she too was wished to have a fantastic day. Yes, American for sure. I could have confirmed it by cracking a joke to her, to check for that response their typical stare, unsmilingly, and say with absolute sincerity: “You are very amusing.” But I couldn’t think of anything hilarious 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, piercingly, and told me an awesome day. My spirits lifted. It was a good thing.