🔗 Share this article

This occurred on a Sunday morning, and I felt sufficiently irritable, topping off my mum’s car. This was a common fuel stop that doubles as a convenience store, which often leads of joining a queue people bearing baskets of somewhat expensive items. A terrible fate to unfold when your only desire is to get gasoline and leave. Awful.

Fourth in line I stood in the waiting line. There was only person serving, a young woman. There was something unusual to her presence. When the faffer at the first position had completed payment for his purchases, a baked snack, and his box of eggs, It seemed to me I heard the cashier tell him an excellent day. Unusual. Could be I misunderstood, or possibly she uttered it and meant it ironically. I pondered if perhaps she was a comrade in my battle with dithering, echoing my disdain for those who delay simple fuel-buyers like me.

Taking a step forward, becoming the third customer. The new leader of our group finished pumping gas with commendable speed. And there it was again: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” To be precise, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. A stateside native? At this location? Her tone suggested it, and no British person says to others such a cheerful phrase, or even just a nice day. Very rare. Rarely does one encounter US citizens knocking around Stourbridge, least of all holding jobs in fueling spots or elsewhere.

I was second now. After an elderly lady engaged in a lengthy struggle with her shopping cart, her groceries, her wallet and her rewards card. The process dragged on. After she finished, she as well was wished to have a fantastic day. Definitely from the US. Confirming it was possible by making a witty remark to her, to see if she did that reaction as they gaze at you, without a smile, and reply with genuine earnest: “That’s really funny.” Yet no idea came of anything hilarious to express.

I just had to settle for the absolute sincerity – or a mimicry of sincerity, that equates to identical in effect – while she stared me right in the eye, deep into my soul, and bid me to have a great day. It improved my mood. Beneficial indeed.