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The scene was a day of rest, and I found myself sufficiently irritable, filling up my mum’s car. The location was one of those petrol stations that also functions as a grocery store, so you run the risk of ending up in line people bearing baskets of somewhat expensive items. It's an awful situation to unfold when your only desire is to pay for some fuel. Awful.

My position was fourth in the queue. There was only person serving, a young woman. A peculiar quality about her. Once the slowpoke at the first position had completed payment for his purchases, a baked snack, and his box of eggs, I could have sworn that I heard the cashier bid him an excellent day. Odd. Could be I misunderstood, or possibly she uttered it and used a mocking tone. The thought crossed my mind if perhaps she was a comrade in the war on delays, reflecting my irritation for people who hold up people just getting gas such as myself.

Advancing next, to third in the queue. The person ahead of the queue completed her gasoline purchase with notable efficiency. And there it was again: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” In fact, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. Someone from the US? At this location? She had the accent, and hardly anyone here says to others such a cheerful phrase, or even just a nice day. Highly unusual. It's uncommon to find US citizens frequenting this area, and definitely not working in petrol stations or anywhere else.

Now I stood second. Behind a poor older woman dealing with a lengthy struggle with her basket, her food items, her handbag and her rewards card. The process dragged on. When she was done, she too got told an excellent day. Yes, American for sure. Confirming it was possible by saying something hilarious to her, to see if she did that response their typical stare, without a smile, and say with absolute sincerity: “That is quite humorous.” But I couldn’t think of a funny comment to say.

Ultimately, I accepted the heartfelt tone – or an impersonation of it, which amounts to the same thing – as she gazed directly into my eyes, to my very core, and bid me a wonderful day. It improved my mood. Beneficial indeed.