Marcus took the offered disposable, the sleek black casing cool against his palm. He felt a thrill, a nervous excitement. He’d heard whispers about Jungle Boys, the legendary strain. He’d been saving up for weeks, pinching pennies from his meager paycheck.

He stepped out into the rain, the street lights blurring into a kaleidoscope of colors. He took a long drag, the vapor thick and sweet, filling his lungs with a rush of energy. He felt a smile creep across his face, a strange sense of contentment washing over him.

The world seemed to shift, the edges blurring, the sounds of the city fading into a gentle hum. He drifted down the street, a silent observer, watching people rush by, their faces a blur of frantic activity. He felt a sense of detachment, a calmness he hadn’t felt in years.