[ WP ] When meeting someone for the first time , shaking hands automatically confers the near death experiences of each individual to the other .

`` $ 4.79,'' the gas station cashier announced right before smacking the gum she was chewing loudly. She looked to be about 19, clearly not mainstream type, with her spiked short hair and nose ring betraying her disdain for the world around her. 
 
 `` Could you also put twenty on number two?'' I had come in to pay for gas, but my obsession with **I Love NY** paraphernalia had gotten the better of me when I caught a glimpse of what was sure to be my new Friday keychain. My thoughtlessness was not lost on `` Sativa'' as she gave an audibly exaggerated sigh, and added the new line item. 
 
 *Right. What was I thinking? How dare I ruin your nearly perfect day of 3 customers per shift, none of which required you to move more than twelve inches to push a button, announce a total, and rip off a receipt? * 
 
 I reached into my wallet and pulled out a crisp new fifty, fresh from the bank yesterday, and handed it to her. Another disapproving look, but this time, she would not acquiesce. 
 
 `` I'm not taking that. It's after ten o' clock.'' 
 
 Of course. Why in the world would a store take cash from a customer? I silently scowled as I put the bill back and pulled out my credit card. At least I'd get the rewards from it. Last month, I got a $ 25 gift card in the mail. I used it for porn. 
 
 As I presented my card, she reached across the table, stopping just inches away, and gesturing for me to place it in her outstretched palm. I did so with more force than I intended, and inadvertently intertwined a finger with hers. 
 
 **BOOM! ** 
 
 
 Time stopped, the universe slowed down around us. It seemed as if we were caught in a swirling eddy of raw energy. In an instant, a lifetime of memories flashed before me. 
 
 A little girl crying in the driveway as a bright yellow corvette drives away. 
 
 `` Daddy!!'' 
 
 
 Flash forward. A boy. Eddie. He said he was her friend, but he's hurting her and she's not strong enough to get away. 
 
 `` Please, Eddie. It hurts.'' 
 
 
 Flash forward. Mom. She's usually awake by now. Something's wrong, she feels cold. There's an empty plastic bag next to a spoon, a lighter, and two needles. 
 
 `` 911? I think my mom just oh-deed on heroin.'' 
 
 
 And just like that, it was over. I stared at her. She stared right back, the cynicism gone from her eyes. Those innocent eyes that witnessed such things. 
 
 I broke the stare first, collecting my keychain and wallet from the counter. Silently, she handed me my receipt. I took it, and smiled with a new understanding of this young girl. 
 
 `` Have a nice day!''
