Former partner in a relatively busy NYC store, near a middle/high school where we’d get the 3:30 Frappuccino rush. This was ‘18.

One day, just after the rush died down, two teens walk up to the counter. I could not see their stoney-baloney little eyes, squished by some “everything is normal!” smiles. One girl walks all the way up, one stands behind a display, not exactly hiding, but unwilling to fully approach.

“Hi! Um... how much would like, just a water be?”

“Water doesn’t cost anything. Do you guys want two?”

“OHMIGOD. Ohmigod, that is so nice, thank you!”

They walk to the end, I slide two waters over. They don’t leave. After a moment of quiet discussion, the bolder one comes back to the register.

“This is so weird, I know this is so weird... can I buy, like, just whipped cream?”

My QUEENS. Never have I related to a vibe so strongly. Never have I more wanted to protect the youth from this cruel world – enjoy your weed while it still hits this strong, and get your munchies without shame, you baby pathfinders. I slid over two short cups of whipped cream and of course didn’t let them pay, for what is being a stoner without looking out for the next generation?

I hope they’re responsibly getting blazed af to this day, and I hope friend #2 gets the confidence to approach a barista in the future. I think about them all the time 🤣