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It came out of nowhere and happened fast--the eating, I mean.

It was a Sunday evening (7:30). I'd just ridden (bike) down to the corner for cigarettes. American Spirit (robin's egg blue). The owner (thick accent, broken English) asked: the natural ones? I always said yeah.

Was sitting in my backyard (wooden rocker) smoking. As I was taking my last hits, I had the sudden desire to eat. I'd eaten earlier (garlic shrimp pasta), but my hunger had been renewed.

Hurried into my kitchen, discovered homemade ribs, corn, and stewed vegetables. (I love Grandpa.) That with chocolate milk, a Reese's and Pepsi.

On Wednesday I worried I had a problem. Every day when I had my only cigarette, I had the urge to eat. The correlation between the two had removed some considerations (pregnancy, growth spurt, coincidence). My remaining possibilities: poison and contamination.

Bought a fresh pack (kept under lock and key). No change. 7:30 cigarette, intense hunger. (Grandpa was sick of cooking). My other option: buy from a different store. Maybe a bad batch?

Went to AmericaWay, part of a corporate chain (gas stations). Did my usual: American Spirit (robin egg blue). 'Regular ones?' This was different. Yeah.

That was Sunday, one week after the initial hunger outbreak. 7:30 cigarette, no hunger. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday: same.

Thursday, went to the corner to talk to the owner. Your American Spirit cigs you always sell me, they made me sick.

'Sick? Like how?'

Just hungry I guess.

He laughed, handed me a pamphlet.

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