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This occurred on a weekend morning, and I found myself in a foul mood, filling up the family car. This was one of those petrol stations that doubles as a grocery store, meaning there's a chance of ending up in line customers carrying goods of somewhat expensive items. It's an awful situation to unfold when the sole aim is to get gasoline and leave. Dreadful.

My position was fourth among those waiting. Just one employee working, a young woman. There was something unusual to her presence. Once the slowpoke at the head of the line had completed payment for his purchases, his sausage roll, and his box of eggs, I was certain that I heard the cashier bid him an excellent day. Strange. Could be I misunderstood, or maybe she did say it and meant it ironically. The thought crossed my mind if she could even be an ally in my battle with dithering, sharing my contempt for those who delay people just getting gas like me.

I moved up, now third in line. The next shopper of our line discharged her fuel-only transaction with commendable speed. Again, the phrase came: “Have a wonderful day.” To be precise, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. Someone from the US? In Stourbridge? The pronunciation indicated it, and hardly anyone here tells people those exact words, or simply a good day. Quite out of place. You don’t get people from America knocking around Stourbridge, least of all working in petrol stations or elsewhere.

Second in line at last. Behind a poor older woman engaged in a right old battle with her carryall, her purchases, her purse and her rewards card. It went on for ever. After she finished, the woman also got told to have a fantastic day. Definitely from the US. I might have verified it by saying something hilarious to her, to check for that reaction when they look at you, stoically, and reply with genuine earnest: “You are very amusing.” But I couldn’t think of a jest to express.

Ultimately, I accepted for the absolute sincerity – or a mimicry of sincerity, which amounts to identical in effect – with which she looked directly into my eyes, deep into my soul, and told me an awesome day. It improved my mood. Beneficial indeed.