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The scene was a day of rest, and I was in a foul mood, refueling the family car. It was a typical gas station that operates as a supermarket, meaning there's a chance of ending up in line customers carrying goods of pricey provisions. This is a dreadful thing to happen when all you want is to get gasoline and leave. Awful.

I was fourth in the queue. There was only person serving, a female attendant. There was something unusual about her. After the ditherer at the front of the queue had at last settled for his purchases, his pastry, and some breakfast items, It seemed to me I heard the cashier tell him to have a great day. Strange. Could be I misunderstood, or perhaps she spoke and meant it ironically. I pondered if perhaps she was an ally in the war on delays, sharing my contempt for those who delay people just getting gas such as myself.

Advancing next, becoming the third customer. The person ahead of our line completed her gasoline purchase with impressive quickness. Again, the phrase came: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” In fact, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. Someone from the US? At this location? The pronunciation indicated it, and hardly anyone here wishes anyone such a cheerful phrase, or simply a good day. Quite out of place. Rarely does one encounter people from America visiting this town, certainly not employed at gas stations or anywhere else.

Now I stood second. Following a senior shopper embroiled in a lengthy struggle with her basket, her purchases, her handbag and her rewards card. It went on for ever. After she finished, the woman also received the wish an excellent day. Yes, American for sure. Confirming it was possible by cracking a joke to her, to see if she did that response their typical stare, without a smile, and state very earnestly: “That’s really funny.” Yet no idea came of anything hilarious to express.

Ultimately, I accepted the heartfelt tone – or a performance of it, which amounts to no different – while she stared straight at me, deep into my soul, and bid me an awesome day. It improved my mood. Beneficial indeed.