Ry strode up the street, and peered into the large picture window in front of the pharmacy. It was a real "old-school" place, with the name of the pharmacy painted in carefully painted script. The old venerable neon sign hung out front, above the door, it's ancient neon still shinning and proclaiming "Judge Drugs". Ry pushed the door open, and heard an old fashioned shoppers bell ring as he stepped inside. The place smelled amazing - Ry always loved finding these old, family run places and they always smelled like an odd kind of comfort. The shelves were a mix of new products and old - he thought half the novelty toys they had in the aisle were still from the 1970s, while he did spy a few semi-new Star Wars toys.
Ry was out to pick up some bottled water, and a bottle of flavoring in a little squeeze bottle. Mio, or some brand like that. There were some of these concentrates that had a nice collection of vitamins & minerals infused in it. He could add it to any water, and it was some nice flavor and a pop of something mildly nutritious. He also picked up some peanut butter crackers. Decent road fuel for a couple bucks. He nabbed a small package of Acetaminophen and brought it all up to the counter to pay. He mused on buying the ancient rubber ball he saw on the counter, but today wasn't a day to indulge whimsy.
The cashier smiled at him as he approached, which he was actually glad for. Far too often in his transient life, he was greeted by derision and suspicious stares, as people are wont to do. But this young woman smiled genuinely at him as she put down the comic she was reading.
How are you doing today? she asked
Not bad at all he said cheerfully. Thanks for asking.
My pleasure... just this? she asked, pointing to his items
Yes ma'am. he said
Ma'am. Don't make me feel all fancy... or old. I'm sitting here reading comics, you know. she said with a smile.
I see that he said, anything good?
Oh yeah, for sure. I've been reading the mags we get in store since I was a kid. Dad runs this place now, but Grandpa ran it before him. I've probably been reading comics here since before I could walk!
Musta been a neat place to grow up in.
It wasn't bad. It's not a huge town here, so a lot of the excitement in town centers on this place. This place... and the Village Inn, of course.
Of course! he laughed.
She smiled back at him. It was nice to get some normal human interaction.
Well, that'll be $7.50 total, today! she chimed.
He fished a ten dollar bill out of his billfold, and handed it to her casually. She smiled, and placed it in the register as she counted change. She handed him back a couple coins and a couple bills.
Well, we appreciate your business! Enjoy your time in our town!
Thank you. It's been very nice so far.
He nodded his head, and made his way out the front of the store. He already missed the smell of the place as he walked down the street, and made his way down to the little park area next to the river. The bridge that spanned the river carried the State Route into town - the little park down by the river had some small, but nicely kept flower gardens, a couple of benches, and a walking path that went under the bridge. He spied a nice spot under the bridge he could camp out at. Probably a popular spot, he'd have to be careful. But he sat on the bench, and took out his guitar to play for a minute. The sound of the river flowing by was strong - a real pulse heartbeat of a flow, and he played some chords to it. He started with some major chords, feeling bright, but as the current pulled him along, he was also finding a minor theme in it. He loved to find himself in moments like this, inspired by his environment, and letting the music just go along.
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