No Shame in Size - Part 1 (Patreon)

The white lights hummed louder in electrical canon than the faint store music. Cold air and an industrial smell filled Brie’s nostrils. 

He never really got to feel like things worked out for him, especially in this winter. This atmosphere of corporate greed did not help. 

Tense shoulders and a fast paced heartbeat followed his way through the unkempt aisles. He never was someone who felt confident or sure about himself, every trip into public had him check for holes in his back; as if strangers eyes bored deep inside it. Baggy, neutral clothes to hide in, a protective layer between him inside and the stares outside. 

The urge to snuzzle up in the hood grew stronger the more people he encountered in the store. Especially tall and broader guys gave him a nagging doubt; his lanky frame was not enough. He was supposed to be a head taller than his peers, and strong enough to carry his now smaller problems on one arm alone. 

But those are thoughts that get quieter when he finally gets the item he went shopping for. He was almost there, ready to unite with his beloved treasure. They only just released this again, after years of not being produced. His county was the first to get it, months before the rest of the country followed. No.

Sweat broke out. Big eyes scanned the cereal aisle for one certain product: “Yolo’s”. Oh no. This is terrible. Not only was his favorite cereal seemingly missing, but now, he would have to ask an employee! His heart started racing. He hadn't had his favorite breakfast in YEARS. It took weeks to build up the confidence, to venture into this building. It was big but cramped, loud but isolated, bright but so uninviting. Honestly, how anyone even goes into there without any issues is the real question. Half of their product is past the expiration date. The cashiers themselves usually guess the prices.

Trembling footsteps made their way up to the register, and thank god, a snoozing cashier. He would have plenty of time to prepare for-

Oh! They’re right there, on clearance! And 70% off? This should be a national holiday! The wheat flakes with yoghurt covered raisins were finally in his possession again! 

A second thought didn’t occur to him, as to why a store would put his cereal on 70% clearance. He stuffed one box into his tote bag. With that deal, they must want it gone ASAP. Another box followed the first. He ignored the TV Reporter rambling in the background. The last boxes of the display made their way into his arms.

“Linda, do you remember buying your kids Yolo’s a few years back? Did your kids also protest going to school after it stopped appearing in stores? Well Linda, call your kids, because Yolo’s is back! The first few boxes appeared in Poco County, as a test run for the company. But, as always, there are already issues.”

The channel switched to a report.

“Product recalled and to be destroyed: the famous Yolo’s cereal has to be pulled off shelves due to pressing health concerns. Experts warn of extreme hormonal imbalances and other side effects yet to be released to the public. 

Müsli Inc., the brand behind Yolo’s, stated that all boxes in licensed stores were successfully terminated, and no boxes have it made outside a store yet. There is no need to worry, they stated in an official press report. When our best reporter Michael asked for specific details on the incident, the spokesman responded with “The Müsli Inc.'s cereal Yolo’s has been pulled off shelves for various Reasons.” 

“Whoa, sounds like something serious happened in their factory, right Linda? Rumor has it that they have been working with the military for a while. But you didn’t hear this from me! 

Now, this story is gonna shock you. Two teens have been found playing video games for over 4 hours a day, we interviewed their parents about this addictive behaviour.”