Today while Helen was telling me how young I look and discussing the precise colour balance of my raincoat, the song from Homeward Bound came on her radio. We chatted for ten more minutes, ending in my leaving before blurting "I wish you were my mom".
This convenience store is across the street from my truest weed buddy in Toronto, and while other merchants gaze impatiently at people walking back and forth 6 times between junior mints, crispers and wine gums, Helen and Steven just smile as their classical radio feathers around their healthy faces.
I once had a tab running with them - mom&pop as heck.