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This occurred on a Sunday morning, and I felt in a foul mood, filling up my mum’s car. This was a common fuel stop that also functions as a grocery store, meaning there's a chance of ending up in line shoppers with carts of slightly overpriced groceries. It's an awful situation to unfold when all you want is to complete a simple refueling. Terrible.

Fourth in line I stood among those waiting. A single person serving, a youthful clerk. Something stood out about her. When the faffer at the first position had at last settled for his Viakal, a baked snack, and a carton of eggs, I could have sworn I heard the cashier wish him a wonderful day. Unusual. Maybe it was a mistake, or maybe she did say it and meant it ironically. The thought crossed my mind if perhaps she was an ally in the war on delays, echoing my disdain for people who hold up people just getting gas including me.

Advancing next, to third in the queue. The new leader of the queue finished pumping gas with commendable speed. Again, the phrase came: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” No, actually, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. Someone from the US? At this location? The pronunciation indicated it, and hardly anyone here tells people a wonderful day, or merely a pleasant day. Very rare. It's uncommon to find people from America frequenting this area, least of all working in petrol stations or other places.

I was second now. Following a senior shopper embroiled in a protracted effort with her shopping cart, her food items, her handbag and her rewards card. The process dragged on. After she finished, the woman also received the wish to have a fantastic day. Clearly an American. I might have verified it by saying something hilarious in her direction, to observe that reaction when they look at you, unsmilingly, and reply with genuine earnest: “You are very amusing.” But I couldn’t think of a jest to utter.

I just had to settle for the absolute sincerity – or a performance of it, which amounts to the same thing – with which she looked me right in the eye, piercingly, and wished me an awesome day. I felt better for it. A positive experience.