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The scene was a day of rest, and I felt grumpy enough, filling up my mum’s car. This was a common fuel stop that doubles as a grocery store, meaning there's a chance of ending up in line shoppers with carts of pricey provisions. It's an awful situation to occur when your only desire is to get gasoline and leave. Awful.

Fourth in line I stood in the waiting line. A single person serving, a female attendant. Something stood out in her demeanor. When the faffer at the head of the line had at last settled for a cleaning product, his sausage roll, and some breakfast items, I was certain I heard the cashier tell him a wonderful day. Unusual. Maybe it was a mistake, or maybe she did say it and used a mocking tone. The thought crossed my mind if perhaps she was a supporter in my battle with dithering, reflecting my irritation for people who hold up simple fuel-buyers like me.

I moved up, now third in line. The next shopper of our line discharged her fuel-only transaction with notable efficiency. And there it was again: “Have a wonderful day.” In fact, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. A stateside native? At this location? She had the accent, and no British person tells people a wonderful day, or even just a nice day. Quite out of place. You don’t get many Americans visiting this town, least of all holding jobs in fueling spots or anywhere else.

Now I stood second. Behind a poor older woman embroiled in a protracted effort with her carryall, her food items, her handbag and her rewards card. This took an eternity. When she was done, the woman also received the wish a wonderful day. Yes, American for sure. I could have confirmed it by saying something hilarious in her direction, to observe that reaction when they look at you, stoically, and reply with genuine earnest: “That is quite humorous.” But I couldn’t think of anything hilarious to utter.

Ultimately, I accepted the heartfelt tone – or a mimicry of sincerity, essentially the same as identical in effect – while she stared me right in the eye, deep into my soul, and wished me to have a great day. I felt better for it. It was a good thing.