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It was a weekend morning, and I felt sufficiently irritable, topping off the family car. This was a typical gas station that doubles as a grocery store, so you run the risk of ending up in line shoppers with carts of slightly overpriced groceries. This is a dreadful thing to happen when your only desire is to get gasoline and leave. Awful.

My position was fourth in the queue. There was only employee working, a young woman. A peculiar quality about her. When the faffer at the head of the line had finally paid for his purchases, a baked snack, and a carton of eggs, It seemed to me that I heard the cashier bid him a wonderful day. Unusual. Could be I misunderstood, or perhaps she spoke and meant it ironically. I pondered if she could even be a supporter in the war on delays, reflecting my irritation for individuals slowing down straightforward customers including me.

I moved up, becoming the third customer. The new leader of the queue discharged her fuel-only transaction with notable efficiency. Again, the phrase came: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” In fact, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. A stateside native? In Stourbridge? The pronunciation indicated it, and no British person says to others a wonderful day, or even just a nice day. Quite out of place. Rarely does one encounter US citizens frequenting this area, least of all employed at gas stations or anywhere else.

I was second now. Behind a poor older woman embroiled in a protracted effort with her carryall, her purchases, her wallet and her rewards card. The process dragged on. When she was done, she as well got told a wonderful day. Clearly an American. Confirming it was possible by cracking a joke in her direction, to observe that reaction their typical stare, stoically, and state very earnestly: “That’s really funny.” But I couldn’t think of a jest to utter.

Ultimately, I accepted the heartfelt tone – or a performance of it, essentially the same as the same thing – as she gazed directly into my eyes, piercingly, and told me an awesome day. It improved my mood. It was a good thing.