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The scene was a Sunday morning, and I was grumpy enough, topping off my mother's vehicle. The location was one of those petrol stations that operates as a supermarket, which often leads of waiting behind customers carrying goods of somewhat expensive items. A terrible fate to occur when all you want is to get gasoline and leave. Awful.

I was fourth in the waiting line. Just one person serving, a young woman. Something stood out to her presence. Once the slowpoke at the first position had completed payment for his purchases, his sausage roll, and some breakfast items, It seemed to me that I heard the cashier bid him an excellent day. Unusual. Maybe it was a mistake, or maybe she did say it and was being sarcastic. I pondered if she might actually be an ally in the war on delays, echoing my disdain for those who delay straightforward customers including me.

I moved up, now third in line. The new leader of our line completed her gasoline purchase with impressive quickness. And there it was again: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” To be precise, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. Someone from the US? Here in Stourbridge? Her tone suggested it, and no British person tells people those exact words, or merely a pleasant day. Very rare. It's uncommon to find many Americans frequenting this area, least of all holding jobs in fueling spots or elsewhere.

I was second now. Following a senior shopper engaged in a lengthy struggle with her shopping cart, her groceries, her handbag and her membership pass. It went on for ever. After she finished, she as well was wished a wonderful day. Clearly an American. I could have confirmed it by cracking a joke in her direction, to check for that response their typical stare, without a smile, and say with absolute sincerity: “That is quite humorous.” However, nothing occurred of a funny comment to say.

In the end, I embraced the heartfelt tone – or a performance of it, essentially the same as the same thing – while she stared straight at me, deep into my soul, and told me an awesome day. I felt better for it. A positive experience.