Did Those Cigarettes Talk?

by Taylor M., Friendswood Junior High student

As I walked down one of the many aisles in the convention center, something caught my eye. Oh my goodness, did that man just pull out a cigarette pack? Indoors at a teacher convention? I turned sharply to the left to try to avoid the booth that seemed to be dangerous to our health and minds. Unfortunately, my partner, the bold Helena, succumbed to her own curiosity and made her way to the risky setting. As her reporting partner, I had to follow.

We were almost to the booth, and my stomach felt a little uneasy. I saw the guy showing a group of clearly fascinated teachers a pack of cigarettes. Willed with all my heart, I wished for my partner to see the danger and walk away. Of course, she maintained her confident stride and reached the man. My heart stopped cold, and I felt my cheeks getting hot.

Please don't ask me if I want a cigarette. He was smiling at us and I saw his hand extend. I could hear in my mind the echo of his strong voice telling me to take one. No, I'm too young to die!

Surprisingly, he didn't ask if I wanted to smoke! His product was actually a fake packet of cigarettes that had a recorder in it. Housed in a purse or pocket, it randomly buzzes and asks if you want to smoke, just like your friends may do. You would respond to it by saying no. Next, the machine asks you, "Why?" Then you respond with why you don't want to smoke. Your teachers can also interact by listening to your recorded responses. After uncovering the truth, I felt a wave of relief extinguish my anxiety. I had made an assumption and, like always, was wrong. I turned to another part of the booth and began to explore the other unique products they had created, glad that the man with the pack of cigarettes supported a worthy cause.