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The scene was a weekend morning, and I found myself grumpy enough, filling up my mum’s car. This was a typical gas station that operates as a grocery store, so you run the risk of joining a queue customers carrying goods of somewhat expensive items. This is a dreadful thing to occur when the sole aim is to complete a simple refueling. Dreadful.

I was fourth in the queue. There was only cashier operating, a young woman. A peculiar quality to her presence. Once the slowpoke at the front of the queue had at last settled for his purchases, his pastry, and a carton of eggs, I was certain overhearing the cashier bid him to have a great day. Unusual. Perhaps I’d misheard, or possibly she uttered it and used a mocking tone. The thought crossed my mind if she might actually be an ally in my battle with dithering, reflecting my irritation for people who hold up straightforward customers including me.

Taking a step forward, to third in the queue. The new leader of our group finished pumping gas with commendable speed. Again, the phrase came: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” To be precise, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. A stateside native? In Stourbridge? The pronunciation indicated it, and hardly anyone here wishes anyone a wonderful day, or even just a nice day. Very rare. You don’t get people from America frequenting this area, least of all holding jobs in fueling spots or elsewhere.

I was second now. Behind a poor older woman dealing with a lengthy struggle with her basket, her groceries, her purse and her membership pass. This took an eternity. When she was done, she as well received the wish an excellent day. Definitely from the US. I might have verified it by saying something hilarious at the cashier, to check for that response when they look at you, without a smile, and say with absolute sincerity: “That is quite humorous.” However, nothing occurred of anything hilarious to say.

In the end, I embraced for the absolute sincerity – or a performance of it, which amounts to the same thing – while she stared directly into my eyes, to my very core, and wished me a wonderful day. My spirits lifted. It was a good thing.