Future Digital Wasteland

Today was a warm, golden California day, the kind that nudges you toward a little adventure. On a whim, I decided to check out this whole marijuana craze. Curiosity’s always been my fuel, so I grabbed my dachshund, small enough to tuck under one arm like a furry football and headed to the local dispensary. His little legs dangled, his nose twitching, probably sensing I was up to something new.

Driving through town, the sun lit everything up like a movie set. At a crosswalk, a hippy looking dude with wild hair and a tie dye swagger stepped off a bus and crossed in front of my car. He threw up a hand, part wave, part “hold up, man” and I chuckled at his carefree vibe. That moment stuck with me as I drove on to the dispensary.

The building loomed ahead, painted jet black and kind of ominous, like something out of a dystopian flick. I half expected a secret handshake to get in. Instead, I hit a waiting area where an armed security guard checked my ID with a serious nod. My dog tilted his head, unbothered, as I handed over my license, feeling like I was entering some exclusive club.

Once past security, though, the doors opened to a whole different world. The place was massive, clean, bright, and cool, with a fresh scent that hit like a breeze. Shelves were stacked with every cannabis product you could imagine: vape pens, resins, edibles, you name it. It was like stepping into a futuristic apothecary, polished and inviting.

The clerk, this super friendly guy, greeted me like I was an old pal, even with my dachshund chilling under my arm. He was a pro, knew everything about the products, walked me through the options, and made me feel right at home. No judgment, just good vibes. I picked out some vape materials and resin, excited to experiment later.

As I stepped out, who should walk in but the same hippy dude from the crosswalk! “Hey, man!” I said, grinning. “I saw you get off the bus, and now you’re here!” He flashed a big smile and shot back, “Yeah, I’m everywhere, man!” We both cracked up, and that was it, a perfect, silly little moment that left me buzzing. No need for names or follow ups, just a shared laugh and I was on my way.

Back home, I’m jotting this down, still smiling. That whole experience, the ominous black building, the security check, the sleek store, the cool clerk, and the hippy dude’s quip, felt like a scene I’d cook up for Future Digital Wasteland. It’s these quick, colorful encounters that spark my day, no deep friendships required. Me, my dog, my journal, and a good story, that’s plenty. I might try that vape later, or maybe I’ll just keep replaying this sunny, quirky day in my head, like a favorite movie scene.