I was speechless. More importantly, I realized there was no point arguing with a smoker, especially a heavy one like him.
It's not like anyone in this world knew about the health risks associated with tobacco anyway. Talking about lung damage would just make me sound like a lunatic. And really, even back on modern Earth, people kept smoking despite warning labels printed right on the packaging. If that didn't stop them, why would my warning work here?
"By the way, do you know anything going on over Nolan Street?" I asked, changing the subject.
"It might be reckless to use this pill so soon, less than a day after arriving in this world, but for the sake of my future... for the sake of a good night's sleep without worrying about a knife pointed at me in the dark... this is worth it."
Without hesitation, I placed the pill in my mouth, but didn't swallow. Instead, I held it between my cheek and gum.
