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The scene was a weekend morning, and I felt in a foul mood, refueling my mum’s car. This was a common fuel stop that also functions as a grocery store, so you run the risk of ending up in line shoppers with carts of somewhat expensive items. It's an awful situation to happen when your only desire is to pay for some fuel. Awful.

Fourth in line I stood among those waiting. There was only employee working, a young woman. Something stood out in her demeanor. After the ditherer at the head of the line had completed payment for his purchases, his sausage roll, and some breakfast items, I was certain overhearing the cashier bid him to have a great day. Strange. Perhaps I’d misheard, or possibly she uttered it and meant it ironically. I wondered if she could even be an ally in the war on delays, reflecting my irritation for those who delay people just getting gas including me.

Taking a step forward, becoming the third customer. The next shopper of our line completed her gasoline purchase with notable efficiency. And there it was again: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” No, actually, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. An American? In Stourbridge? The pronunciation indicated it, and no British person says to others such a cheerful phrase, or simply a good day. Quite out of place. Rarely does one encounter many Americans frequenting this area, and definitely not holding jobs in fueling spots or elsewhere.

Now I stood second. After an elderly lady embroiled in a lengthy struggle with her basket, her purchases, her handbag and her loyalty card. The process dragged on. Once completed, she too was wished an excellent day. Yes, American for sure. I might have verified it by cracking a joke to her, to check for that reaction as they gaze at you, unsmilingly, and reply with genuine earnest: “You are very amusing.” Yet no idea came of a funny comment to utter.

In the end, I embraced the genuine warmth – or an impersonation of it, which amounts to the same thing – while she stared me right in the eye, piercingly, and told me a wonderful day. It improved my mood. A positive experience.