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It was a day of rest, and I found myself in a foul mood, topping off the family car. The location was one of those petrol stations that doubles as a grocery store, meaning there's a chance of waiting behind people bearing baskets of slightly overpriced groceries. It's an awful situation to unfold when your only desire is to complete a simple refueling. Awful.

I was fourth among those waiting. A single cashier operating, a young woman. There was something unusual to her presence. When the faffer at the head of the line had finally paid for his purchases, his sausage roll, and a carton of eggs, I could have sworn overhearing the cashier tell him an excellent day. Unusual. Perhaps I’d misheard, or possibly she uttered it and meant it ironically. The thought crossed my mind if she could even be a supporter in my battle with dithering, sharing my contempt for individuals slowing down simple fuel-buyers such as myself.

Taking a step forward, now third in line. The person ahead of our group finished pumping gas with notable efficiency. Once more it happened: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” No, actually, it was “have a wonderful day”. Someone from the US? At this location? Her tone suggested it, and few locals tells people a wonderful day, or simply a good day. Quite out of place. It's uncommon to find US citizens visiting this town, and definitely not working in petrol stations or other places.

I was second now. After an elderly lady embroiled in a right old battle with her shopping cart, her food items, her wallet and her membership pass. The process dragged on. Once completed, she too was wished an excellent day. Yes, American for sure. I could have confirmed it by cracking a joke to her, to check for that response their typical stare, without a smile, and state very earnestly: “That’s really funny.” However, nothing occurred of anything hilarious to say.

I just had to settle for the absolute sincerity – or an impersonation of it, which amounts to no different – with which she looked directly into my eyes, deep into my soul, and bid me an awesome day. It improved my mood. Beneficial indeed.