Diet Dr. Pepper

Driving felt weird after being on cruise control for 7 days- literally. And driving on slushy roads to pick up my dog, Savi was less than desirable. While I was excited to hold my sweet Yorkie in my arms again, my sunburnt nose was having trouble adjusting to the below freezing temperatures. I ultimately decided Sheetz would be the perfect meeting place for me to pick up my pup, as a warm lunch called my name.

I waited patiently in-line to pay for B and I’s food. After a near 4 hour drive, we wanted something quick and easy to fill our rumbling bellies. I tapped my foot impatiently as I contemplated if I’d beat Savi’s sitter and get the lunch to my car in time before she got there.

“How are you today?”

I jumped as the kind old man’s voice startled me. I quickly moved forward, handed him my receipt, and greeted him with a masked smile.

“Hi! I’m okay. How are you?” The man looked at me when with confusion.

“Okay? Just okay? Well, I hope you’re more than okay!” He looked down at the Diet Dr. Pepper I intended to buy on the counter and asked, “Hey, do you know what kind of doctor, Dr. Pepper is?”

I blushed under my mask and told him I wasn’t sure, but had to know.

“A fizzzzician!”

We both laughed and said our goodbyes. I thanked him for his time and for the sunshine he brought to me in that moment, even if I wasn’t cruising under warm sunny skies anymore. I took my receipt along with his joke and kindness, and smiled to myself as I felt the warmth in my heart.