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This occurred on a weekend morning, and I was grumpy enough, filling up my mum’s car. This was one of those petrol stations that also functions as a grocery store, so you run the risk of joining a queue shoppers with carts of pricey provisions. This is a dreadful thing to unfold when your only desire is to complete a simple refueling. Terrible.

I was fourth in the waiting line. A single employee working, a youthful clerk. There was something unusual to her presence. After the ditherer at the front of the queue had at last settled for his Viakal, a baked snack, and his box of eggs, I could have sworn that I heard the cashier wish him an excellent day. Strange. Maybe it was a mistake, or perhaps she spoke and was being sarcastic. I wondered if she could even be a supporter in my battle with dithering, echoing my disdain for those who delay people just getting gas such as myself.

I moved up, to third in the queue. The person ahead of the queue discharged her fuel-only transaction with commendable speed. Again, the phrase came: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” In fact, it was “have a wonderful day”. A stateside native? At this location? Her tone suggested it, and hardly anyone here wishes anyone such a cheerful phrase, or simply a good day. Highly unusual. Rarely does one encounter US citizens visiting this town, certainly not working in petrol stations or elsewhere.

Second in line at last. Behind a poor older woman engaged in a lengthy struggle with her basket, her purchases, her handbag and her membership pass. The process dragged on. Once completed, she as well received the wish an excellent day. Clearly an American. I could have confirmed it by saying something hilarious in her direction, to check for that thing their typical stare, without a smile, and say with absolute sincerity: “That is quite humorous.” However, nothing occurred of a funny comment to express.

I just had to settle for the absolute sincerity – or a performance of it, essentially the same as identical in effect – with which she looked me right in the eye, deep into my soul, and told me to have a great day. My spirits lifted. A positive experience.