I find myself standing in a Safeway parking lot looking like the kind of guy you’d want to approach when you’re high out of your mind and you’ve got something to sell and you know I’m your buyer, even when I’m not, especially when I’m not. At least, that’s how the locals in and around City Centre make you feel if you’re around long enough.

I’ve got some burning hot burned-bean Starbucks’s to keep me warm and I’m waiting for a ride.

Two men appear from around a corner. They have a cute little dog on a leash looking up at them playfully. They can’t stand still. They’re doing that junky-dance you get accustomed to when you’re in the wrong town long enough. The dog doesn’t seem to mind. Neither do the locals. It’s business as usual in Surrey.

One man stumbles my way. A massive parking lot, why wouldn’t he walk directly at me?

He’s swinging something in his hand. I’m trying not to stare because you can do a lot to a person on meth and they’ll still hurt you if they’re determined enough. 1,000% spike in dopamine goes a long way for pain management and super human strength.

Movement behind him distracts me. I see his buddy stretching. Still not keeping still. He’s all over the place but, in his own little Surrey way, he’s pulling off some recognizable yoga poses. The dog excitedly jumps on him and he laughs.

The other man gets closer. “Wanna buy this?” He says.

“No thanks,” I look away.

“Hey.”

I ignore this

“Hey, I’m talking to you.”

“Sorry?” I say casually.

“I said: wanna buy this?”

“Don’t have any money, man, sorry.”

“It’s a car key, bro. You want it.”

It wasn’t a question anymore. It was a statement.

“Nope, I don’t.”

We stare at each other for a few seconds. He’s not really making eye contact. He can’t really focus. It’s more than a little unnerving.

I consider loosening my lid in case I need to toss my hot coffee in his face. It’s not good coffee, maybe it can still be good for something.

“Shit.” He says with a sigh. “You sure?”

“Yep, I’m sure.”

“Ok then!” He says cheerfully as he walks off.