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The scene was a day of rest, and I found myself sufficiently irritable, refueling my mum’s car. This was one of those petrol stations that operates as a grocery store, so you run the risk of waiting behind people bearing baskets of pricey provisions. A terrible fate to happen when the sole aim is to get gasoline and leave. Terrible.

I was fourth among those waiting. There was only person serving, a youthful clerk. A peculiar quality to her presence. When the faffer at the head of the line had at last settled for his purchases, a baked snack, and some breakfast items, It seemed to me I heard the cashier bid him an excellent day. Strange. Perhaps I’d misheard, or possibly she uttered it and meant it ironically. I pondered if perhaps she was a comrade in my battle with dithering, reflecting my irritation for those who delay straightforward customers such as myself.

Taking a step forward, now third in line. The person ahead of our line discharged her fuel-only transaction with notable efficiency. And there it was again: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” To be precise, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. Someone from the US? In Stourbridge? She had the accent, and no British person wishes anyone such a cheerful phrase, or merely a pleasant day. Highly unusual. Rarely does one encounter people from America knocking around Stourbridge, and definitely not employed at gas stations or elsewhere.

Second in line at last. After an elderly lady embroiled in a right old battle with her shopping cart, her purchases, her purse and her rewards card. The process dragged on. Once completed, she too received the wish to have a fantastic day. Definitely from the US. I could have confirmed it by saying something hilarious at the cashier, to observe that response as they gaze at you, stoically, and say with absolute sincerity: “You are very amusing.” However, nothing occurred of a funny comment to utter.

I just had to settle the heartfelt tone – or a performance of it, that equates to the same thing – while she stared straight at me, piercingly, and told me a wonderful day. My spirits lifted. It was a good thing.