Yeah, I pay for it. And yeah, I know that I can get it at home for free. But it’s not all about the money.
Anticipation. Better than the deed, better than the memory, the moment of anticipation. I drive past lesser establishments. I know where I’m going. I’ve been here many times before, but that doesn’t dull my expectations.
I park right out front. It’s busy today, but we are not all here for the same thing. Not everybody is looking for the same buzz that I am.
The variety of pleasures available is dazzling. I squint against the gaudy displays and head instinctively to the section that has exactly what I need. There are choices in what I’m looking for too. We all have basic needs and different buttons to push in order to satisfy them. Size, strength and taste all play their part. I make my choice out of experience. I’ve tried them all and I know what fulfills my desires.
What felt like an eternity in the making is now quickly coming to an end. The built-up anticipation on the drive in, the long queue and all the heat and noise of the process itself has led to this moment. The foam spills over my undersized reusable cup.
The queue to pay has progressed and I’m now next in line. The customer at the counter seems nervous. Its clear it’s his first time here and he has some questions. “I’m not sure I’m in the right place? I need a cigar. Do you have something deep in the body? Something ripe yet subtle?”
The attendant considers the man for a moment then pulls a set of keys from his pocket and opens a roller door behind him. Hidden behind grotesque images of gangrene and rotten lungs are hundreds of brightly coloured cigarette packets. He presents a box of beautifully wrapped cigars and assures his new customer of their ripey-deepness.
I hand over a $2 coin for my small flat white and glance again at all the gaudy displays as I make my way to the door. This place really has something for everyone.
