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I was quite excited as I climbed in my car. I had just bought lighters and three packs of 164 menthols. I realized I would also need an ashtray but the gas station didn't sell them. I searched for the closest place that sold them on my phone and was happy to see a smoke shop a few blocks away. The shop opened at 8am and I impatiently waited in my car until a young lady unlocked the door.
I browsed the shop briefly and stopped to look at a variety of artistic ashtrays. One was a ceramic frog with its mouth open wide. Many were simple short pots with designs or animals painted on them. I thought one that resembled a wide-open mouth with plump lips was a little disturbing and looked away. I decided on two traditional-looking ones with four slots to hold cigarettes, plus a small metal one with a lid I could keep in my purse.
As I walked toward the cashier and saw a display with cigarette holders, I remembered the man's hypnotic voice, "Long cigarette holders are feminine and turn on men who like smoking. They also keep the smoke away from your eyes. You should buy a cigarette holder longer than your hand if you get a chance." I picked up two with stickers that said '12 inches', one black and the other pink.
I climbed in the car and dug out a pack of cigarettes and a lighter. I eagerly looked at the pack but remembered the man's hypnotic voice, "Its best to smoke at home alone, with no distractions. You should listen to my voice while you enjoy sucking on your wonderful cigarettes." I remembered I'd left the CD in my bedroom and cursed, "DAMMIT!"