🔗 Share this article

The scene was a Sunday morning, and I found myself sufficiently irritable, topping off my mum’s car. It was a typical gas station that doubles as a supermarket, meaning there's a chance of ending up in line people bearing baskets of pricey provisions. It's an awful situation to unfold when the sole aim is to pay for some fuel. Terrible.

My position was fourth in the queue. There was only employee working, a youthful clerk. A peculiar quality to her presence. Once the slowpoke at the front of the queue had at last settled for a cleaning product, his sausage roll, and some breakfast items, I could have sworn I heard the cashier wish him an excellent day. Odd. 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 battle with dithering, echoing my disdain for individuals slowing down simple fuel-buyers such as myself.

Advancing next, becoming the third customer. The person ahead of our group completed her gasoline purchase with notable efficiency. Once more it happened: “Have a wonderful day.” In fact, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. A stateside native? In Stourbridge? The pronunciation indicated it, and hardly anyone here says to others those exact words, or even just a nice day. Very rare. Rarely does one encounter many Americans visiting this town, least of all working in petrol stations or other places.

Second in line at last. After an elderly lady embroiled in a lengthy struggle with her shopping cart, her food items, her handbag and her membership pass. The process dragged on. When she was done, she too got told an excellent day. Definitely from the US. Confirming it was possible by making a witty remark at the cashier, to observe that thing their typical stare, without a smile, and state very earnestly: “You are very amusing.” But I couldn’t think of a funny comment to express.

In the end, I embraced for the absolute sincerity – or a performance of it, which amounts to identical in effect – while she stared me right in the eye, to my very core, and told me an awesome day. My spirits lifted. It was a good thing.