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It was a weekend morning, and I found myself grumpy enough, refueling my mother's vehicle. This was a typical gas station that also functions as a supermarket, which often leads of joining a queue customers carrying goods of slightly overpriced groceries. It's an awful situation to unfold when your only desire is to get gasoline and leave. Dreadful.

My position was fourth in the waiting line. Just one person serving, a female attendant. A peculiar quality in her demeanor. Once the slowpoke at the front of the queue had at last settled for a cleaning product, a baked snack, and some breakfast items, I was certain I heard the cashier tell him an excellent day. Unusual. Maybe it was a mistake, or maybe she did say it and used a mocking tone. I wondered if perhaps she was a comrade in the war on delays, reflecting my irritation for individuals slowing down simple fuel-buyers such as myself.

Taking a step forward, becoming the third customer. The next shopper of the queue discharged her fuel-only transaction with notable efficiency. And there it was again: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” In fact, it was “have a wonderful day”. Someone from the US? At this location? Her tone suggested it, and hardly anyone here wishes anyone those exact words, or simply a good day. Very rare. It's uncommon to find many Americans frequenting this area, and definitely not employed at gas stations or elsewhere.

Now I stood second. Behind a poor older woman embroiled in a protracted effort with her carryall, her food items, her handbag and her membership pass. The process dragged on. Once completed, the woman also got told a wonderful day. Definitely from the US. I could have confirmed it by cracking a joke in her direction, to check for that reaction their typical stare, unsmilingly, and reply with genuine earnest: “That’s really funny.” However, nothing occurred of a funny comment to say.

Ultimately, I accepted for the absolute sincerity – or a mimicry of sincerity, that equates to identical in effect – as she gazed me right in the eye, deep into my soul, and wished me a wonderful day. My spirits lifted. Beneficial indeed.