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It was a Sunday morning, and I found myself sufficiently irritable, topping off my mother's vehicle. The location was one of those petrol stations that doubles as a supermarket, meaning there's a chance of joining a queue people bearing baskets of somewhat expensive items. A terrible fate to occur when your only desire is to complete a simple refueling. Dreadful.

I was fourth in the queue. A single person serving, a young woman. Something stood out in her demeanor. After the ditherer at the front of the queue had finally paid for a cleaning product, a baked snack, and a carton of eggs, I was certain overhearing the cashier bid him an excellent day. Unusual. Could be I misunderstood, or possibly she uttered it and meant it ironically. I wondered if she might actually be a supporter in my fight against faff, sharing my contempt for people who hold up people just getting gas including me.

Advancing next, becoming the third customer. The next shopper of our line finished pumping gas with commendable speed. And there it was again: “Have a wonderful day.” No, actually, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. A stateside native? At this location? The pronunciation indicated it, and few locals tells people such a cheerful phrase, or merely a pleasant day. Very rare. You don’t get people from America visiting this town, least of all holding jobs in fueling spots or anywhere else.

I was second now. After an elderly lady engaged in a right old battle with her carryall, her groceries, her wallet and her rewards card. It went on for ever. Once completed, the woman also received the wish a wonderful day. Clearly an American. I might have verified it by making a witty remark to her, to check for that reaction when they look at you, unsmilingly, and state very earnestly: “That is quite humorous.” However, nothing occurred of a funny comment to utter.

In the end, I embraced for the absolute sincerity – or a performance of it, essentially the same as no different – while she stared straight at me, to my very core, and wished me an awesome day. I felt better for it. It was a good thing.