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The scene was a weekend morning, and I felt in a foul mood, topping off the family car. It was a common fuel stop that also functions as a supermarket, so you run the risk of ending up in line people bearing baskets of somewhat expensive items. This is a dreadful thing to occur when all you want is to pay for some fuel. Awful.

Fourth in line I stood in the queue. A single cashier operating, a youthful clerk. A peculiar quality to her presence. Once the slowpoke at the front of the queue had finally paid for his purchases, his pastry, and some breakfast items, I could have sworn I heard the cashier tell him an excellent day. Odd. Maybe it was a mistake, or perhaps she spoke and was being sarcastic. The thought crossed my mind if she could even be a supporter in my battle with dithering, sharing my contempt for those who delay simple fuel-buyers such as myself.

Advancing next, to third in the queue. The person ahead of our line completed her gasoline purchase with notable efficiency. Again, the phrase came: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” In fact, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. A stateside native? At this location? The pronunciation indicated it, and no British person wishes anyone a wonderful day, or merely a pleasant day. Quite out of place. It's uncommon to find US citizens visiting this town, certainly not working in petrol stations or other places.

Now I stood second. After an elderly lady engaged in a right old battle with her basket, her food items, her purse and her loyalty card. It went on for ever. After she finished, the woman also got told to have a fantastic day. Clearly an American. Confirming it was possible by making a witty remark in her direction, to see if she did that reaction when they look at you, without a smile, and say with absolute sincerity: “That’s really funny.” But I couldn’t think of a funny comment to utter.

Ultimately, I accepted for the absolute sincerity – or a mimicry of sincerity, essentially the same as the same thing – as she gazed straight at me, to my very core, and bid me an awesome day. My spirits lifted. It was a good thing.