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The scene was a Sunday morning, and I felt in a foul mood, refueling the family car. The location was one of those petrol stations that operates as a convenience store, which often leads of joining a queue people bearing baskets of pricey provisions. It's an awful situation to unfold when all you want is to pay for some fuel. Dreadful.

My position was fourth among those waiting. Just one person serving, a female attendant. Something stood out to her presence. Once the slowpoke at the first position had finally paid for a cleaning product, his pastry, and a carton of eggs, I was certain I heard the cashier bid him to have a great day. Unusual. Perhaps I’d misheard, or maybe she did say it and was being sarcastic. The thought crossed my mind if perhaps she was a supporter in my fight against faff, echoing my disdain for those who delay simple fuel-buyers like me.

Advancing next, now third in line. The new leader of our group discharged her fuel-only transaction with notable efficiency. 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? The pronunciation indicated it, and hardly anyone here wishes anyone those exact words, or simply a good day. Quite out of place. Rarely does one encounter US citizens visiting this town, and definitely not holding jobs in fueling spots or anywhere else.

Second in line at last. Following a senior shopper dealing with a lengthy struggle with her shopping cart, her groceries, her handbag and her loyalty card. The process dragged on. After she finished, she too received the wish to have a fantastic day. Definitely from the US. I could have confirmed it by cracking a joke at the cashier, to see if she did that reaction when they look at you, unsmilingly, and say with absolute sincerity: “That’s really funny.” However, nothing occurred of anything hilarious to express.

In the end, I embraced the genuine warmth – or an impersonation of it, which amounts to no different – as she gazed straight at me, deep into my soul, and told me an awesome day. I felt better for it. Beneficial indeed.