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The scene was a weekend morning, and I found myself sufficiently irritable, filling up my mum’s car. This was one of those petrol stations that also functions as a convenience 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. Terrible.

Fourth in line I stood in the queue. Just one person serving, a youthful clerk. There was something unusual about her. After the ditherer at the front of the queue had completed payment for a cleaning product, his sausage roll, and his box of eggs, It seemed to me overhearing the cashier wish him to have a great day. Strange. Maybe it was a mistake, or perhaps she spoke and meant it ironically. The thought crossed my mind if she might actually be a supporter in the war on delays, echoing my disdain for individuals slowing down people just getting gas such as myself.

Taking a step forward, becoming the third customer. The next shopper of our group completed her gasoline purchase with notable efficiency. And there it was again: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” No, actually, it was “have a wonderful day”. Someone from the US? At this location? She had the accent, and hardly anyone here says to others those exact words, or even just a nice day. Very rare. You don’t get many Americans frequenting this area, and definitely not holding jobs in fueling spots or other places.

I was second now. After an elderly lady embroiled in a protracted effort with her shopping cart, her groceries, her handbag and her loyalty card. The process dragged on. Once completed, she as well was wished an excellent day. Yes, American for sure. I could have confirmed it by cracking a joke to her, to observe that response their typical stare, without a smile, and reply with genuine earnest: “That is quite humorous.” But I couldn’t think of a jest to express.

In the end, I embraced the genuine warmth – or a performance of it, that equates to identical in effect – with which she looked me right in the eye, piercingly, and wished me a wonderful day. It improved my mood. A positive experience.