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The scene was a weekend morning, and I felt sufficiently irritable, topping off the family car. This was a typical gas station that operates as a supermarket, meaning there's a chance of ending up in line people bearing baskets of somewhat expensive items. It's an awful situation to occur when all you want is to get gasoline and leave. Terrible.

My position was fourth in the queue. A single person serving, a young woman. Something stood out in her demeanor. When the faffer at the front of the queue had at last settled for his purchases, a baked snack, and some breakfast items, It seemed to me I heard the cashier tell him to have a great day. Unusual. Maybe it was a mistake, or possibly she uttered it and used a mocking tone. I pondered if perhaps she was an ally in the war on delays, sharing my contempt for those who delay straightforward customers like me.

Advancing next, now third in line. The new leader of the queue finished pumping gas with notable efficiency. Again, the phrase came: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” To be precise, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. A stateside native? In Stourbridge? The pronunciation indicated it, and hardly anyone here wishes anyone such a cheerful phrase, or merely a pleasant day. Quite out of place. Rarely does one encounter US citizens knocking around Stourbridge, least of all employed at gas stations or other places.

I was second now. After an elderly lady dealing with a right old battle with her shopping cart, her food items, her wallet and her membership pass. The process dragged on. After she finished, the woman also was wished to have a fantastic day. Yes, American for sure. Confirming it was possible by making a witty remark at the cashier, to see if she did that thing their typical stare, without a smile, and reply with genuine earnest: “You are very amusing.” However, nothing occurred of a funny comment to say.

Ultimately, I accepted the genuine warmth – or a performance of it, which amounts to no different – with which she looked directly into my eyes, deep into my soul, and wished me a wonderful day. My spirits lifted. Beneficial indeed.