6️⃣ The Smoke-Free Smoking Area — Chapter 6: Past Cigarettes
The Smoke-Free Smoking Area — Chapter 6, "Past Cigarettes." A short story.
Past Cigarettes came in a black box.
Mr. N didn't buy them. He had no intention of buying them. But he did carry the pamphlet home.
According to the description, Past Cigarettes eased the pain of memories. Embarrassing recollections, an irretrievable word, a failed attempt to quit, a lost promise. They thinned such things out a little.
Mr. N thought it was a well-made business.
Shave off the future with Future Cigarettes, then thin out the regret over what you'd shaved with Past Cigarettes. That way the customer grows lighter. Lighter and lighter, until in the end, perhaps, nothing is left.