2am...I'm tired...the summer humidity is overworking my sweat glands and my soul. I'm hungry and still tired. The hospital cafeteria has long closed as have most of the local food eateries. The emergency room is still with the sterile "beeps" of life giving (but mind numbingly annoying) machines and I have another 5 hours until my shift ends. A nurse recommends Cook Out for a late night food stop. I take her recommendation dimly but optimistically. My arrival to the drive through brings me to a billboard sized menu. Its bright lights blind me as I stare to have my eyes adjust. Even through the thick evening humidity I can smell the unmistakable scent of grease, meat, and idle car emissions. I chose a standard burger combo with the un-standard sides of corn bread and chicken nuggets.
My entire consumption was in some what of a daze. It was either the sweltering heat or the burgers charred grease that was causing me to perspire. No matter what, my meal was complete and functional. I did not make a second trip to Cook Out, however I am thankful that my path crossed its. To this day it is the only institution that I know of (besides public elementary schools) that serves chicken nuggets as sides. It was just that bit of nostalgia, combined with the desperate circumstances of hunger and exhaustions that brought me to Cook Out, and I'm thankful for it.