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This occurred on a Sunday morning, and I found myself sufficiently irritable, topping off my mum’s car. This was a common fuel stop that operates as a grocery store, which often leads of ending up in line people bearing baskets of pricey provisions. A terrible fate to happen when all you want is to pay for some fuel. Terrible.

I was fourth in the queue. A single cashier operating, a female attendant. Something stood out in her demeanor. Once the slowpoke at the first position had completed payment for a cleaning product, his sausage roll, and his box of eggs, I could have sworn that I heard the cashier tell him a wonderful day. Odd. Could be I misunderstood, or possibly she uttered it and used a mocking tone. The thought crossed my mind if perhaps she was a supporter in my fight against faff, reflecting my irritation for individuals slowing down simple fuel-buyers including me.

Advancing next, to third in the queue. The person ahead of our line discharged her fuel-only transaction with commendable speed. And there it was again: “Have a wonderful day.” No, actually, it was “have a wonderful day”. A stateside native? At this location? Her tone suggested it, and hardly anyone here says to others a wonderful day, or simply a good day. Very rare. It's uncommon to find many Americans frequenting this area, least of all employed at gas stations or elsewhere.

Second in line at last. After an elderly lady dealing with a protracted effort with her basket, her groceries, her purse and her loyalty card. This took an eternity. After she finished, she too was wished an excellent day. Definitely from the US. I could have confirmed it by making a witty remark at the cashier, to observe that response their typical stare, stoically, and reply with genuine earnest: “That’s really funny.” But I couldn’t think of anything hilarious to utter.

In the end, I embraced for the absolute sincerity – or a performance of it, essentially the same as no different – with which she looked straight at me, piercingly, and told me a wonderful day. It improved my mood. It was a good thing.