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This occurred on a Sunday morning, and I found myself sufficiently irritable, filling up the family car. It was a common fuel stop that operates as a supermarket, meaning there's a chance of ending up in line customers carrying goods of slightly overpriced groceries. It's an awful situation to occur when the sole aim is to get gasoline and leave. Dreadful.

My position was fourth among those waiting. A single cashier operating, a youthful clerk. There was something unusual to her presence. Once the slowpoke at the head of the line had completed payment for a cleaning product, his sausage roll, and a carton of eggs, It seemed to me I heard the cashier tell him an excellent day. Unusual. Maybe it was a mistake, or perhaps she spoke and was being sarcastic. The thought crossed my mind if she might actually be a supporter in my fight against faff, reflecting my irritation for people who hold up 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 impressive quickness. Again, the phrase came: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” To be precise, it was “have a wonderful day”. Someone from the US? At this location? She had the accent, and no British person wishes anyone such a cheerful phrase, or merely a pleasant day. Very rare. You don’t get people from America visiting this town, least of all working in petrol stations or other places.

Second in line at last. Following a senior shopper embroiled in a lengthy struggle with her shopping cart, her groceries, her wallet and her membership pass. It went on for ever. After she finished, the woman also got told a wonderful day. Yes, American for sure. I might have verified it by saying something hilarious at the cashier, to observe that response as they gaze at you, unsmilingly, and say with absolute sincerity: “That is quite humorous.” But I couldn’t think of anything hilarious to say.

I just had to settle for the absolute sincerity – or an impersonation of it, that equates to identical in effect – as she gazed straight at me, deep into my soul, and wished me a wonderful day. I felt better for it. Beneficial indeed.