He walked back into the shop to see the old man on the phone behind the counter. The old man hung up the phone and beckoned the boy towards the counter.

“I have a customer coming in about one hour. When he shows up, he will ask for something specific that we do not have up front.”

“So I go in the storage room to the tubs?” The boy asked.

“Yes.” Said the old man. “And conveniently, that is your next lesson.” The boy looked puzzled. “What do you know about mushrooms?” Asked the old man.

“What like Shiitake and Portobellos? My grandma uses them in soups and stir frys sometimes. I like them on pizza sometimes, too.” 

The old man’s expression did not change. 

“Have you ever heard of magic mushrooms?” The old man asked.

“Yea, but I never had any before. They’re supposed to make you like FEEL colors and see really trippy shit, right?” The boy said with joviality.

The old man’s expression still remained the same.

“Magic mushrooms have been used for thousands of years as a way for man to communicate with God.” He explained. “They’re also good in low doses as an antidepressant and to treat cluster headaches. In high doses they lead the consumer on a spiritual journey through creation.”

The boy looked perplexed, staring at the old man in confusion. 

The old man sighed, “Follow me.”

He led the boy into the storage room and pointed to a tub labeled ‘Mushrooms’. The boy opened it and found dozens of different sized bags filled to the brim with mushrooms in each one, all labeled with what he assumed were the specific strain, as well as amount, contained within. The old man rummaged inside and pulled out two bags. One enormous sized zip lock bag that was labeled ‘B+’, and one small sandwich size ziploc bag that read ‘Golden Teacher’. 

“This is for the gentlemen who was on the phone.” He said as he handed the big bag to the boy. “Go put it behind the counter next to your gun.” 

The boy did as the old man asked him to.

“This one,” The old man said as the boy returned to the room, holding up the much smaller bag, “is for you.”

The boy reluctantly took the small bag from the old man. 

“I’ve never taken mushrooms before.” Said the boy.

The old man put his hand up in a calming gesture with his palm facing outward, and the boy was oddly reminded of the images he had seen of Hindu deities.

“I will guide you.” He said, “But you must follow my instruction. Mushrooms are a catalyst in activating your chakras, and allow you access to the spiritual realm. The energy that flows throughout your body that grants you a connection to all things, if unchallenged, will remain blocked. Do not be afraid. The effects can last several hours, but know this; everything is ok, you are ok, and everything will be ok. Secondly, make sure you are in a good state of mind, and in a safe place. It is not recommended to take a very high dose your first time, but I suggest you take the entire bag.” 

The boy’s eyes grew in shock. The entire bag? There were so many mushrooms it lined the entire bottom of the ziplock bag. How much did he even need? He thought.

“What I have given you,” the man continued, “is called a ‘hero’s journey’, and is 5 grams. Remember, make sure you are in a good place.”

The old man pointed to his head, “Here.” 

Then he pointed to his heart, “And here.” 

The old man put a finger in the air, then whirled it around like he was a cowboy with a lasso. “Make sure you are in a safe place, such as your room or the living room couch. But I would refrain from watching any television, as it would only tell lies to your vision.” He chuckled softly at this. 

“I recommend laying in your bed in the dark with your eyes closed. In this way, you may connect with your inner self, and begin your journey of transformation. Because you will be so close to creation, you will be forced to confront yourself. Good and bad, everything you have avoided about yourself will come to light.” 

The boy looked at the small bag with amazement. How could something so small hold so much power. Could it really do everything the man said? The boy put the bag into his pants pocket.

“Remember,” Said the old man, “Your trip will last you 6-8 hours, so set some time aside to where you will not be bothered.”

6-8 hours! He thought, weed only lasts like two.

“How do you grow mushrooms?” He asked.

The old man looked at the boy very closely.

“In time, that will come. But whereas growing cannabis is the pinnacle of gardening, growing mushrooms is the pinnacle of alchemy.”

The boy considered this carefully, but did not understand what he meant by alchemy.

“Now, if you please,” Said the old man, “There is still an entire half of store that needs cleaning.”

Next Chapter: Namaste