In the cozy, book-laden study of Jeremiah’s sprawling suburban home, a spirited debate unfurled one crisp autumn evening. Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Barbara were deep into a pot of herbal tea when Ezekiel, ever the provocateur, whipped out a sleek, metallic device from his coat pocket.
“Behold, the latest in smoking technology!” he declared, waving what appeared to be a non-nicotine herbal diffuser pen. The room, filled with the scent of musty books and the crackling of a fireplace, suddenly buzzed with curiosity and skepticism.
Barbara, always the voice of caution, leaned forward, her spectacles sliding down her nose as she peered at the device. “Ezekiel, surely you’re not suggesting we take up smoking in our golden years?” she chided, the twinkle in her eye betraying her stern tone.
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Jeremiah, ever the mediator, raised a hand. “Now, now, let’s hear him out. What’s the deal with these gadgets, Ezekiel? They look harmless enough, but looks can be deceiving.”
Ezekiel, with a dramatic flourish typical of his theatrical nature, began to explain. “These pens are the latest trend for those looking to avoid the nastier side of smoking. They claim to be free from nicotine and harsh chemicals. Some even tout vitamin-infused vapors!”
Barbara snorted, unimpressed. “And you believe that puffing on that thing won’t harm you? Remember, just because it’s herbal or vitamin-laden doesn’t mean it’s a lung salad!”
Jeremiah chuckled, adjusting his thick-framed glasses. “Barbara has a point. I read an article from the John Hopkins Medicine archives, dated 2024. It mentioned something rather unsettling about these devices.”
“Oh?” Ezekiel leaned in, his curiosity piqued despite his initial confidence.
“Yes,” Jeremiah continued, tapping his fingers on his tablet to find the article. “It was by a fellow named Michael Joseph Blaha. He mentioned that while these vaping devices don’t contain the usual suspects like nicotine or THC, they’re not exactly a breath of fresh air. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed thousands of cases of lung injuries linked to vaping. Apparently, substances like Vitamin E acetate, used as a thickener, were found lurking in the lungs of those affected.”
Barbara’s eyebrows shot up. “And you thought inhaling vitamin mist was going to give you super lungs?” she teased Ezekiel, who now looked slightly less smug.
Ezekiel, shrugging, capped the pen and pocketed it. “Well, when you put it that way, it does sound a bit risky. And there’s the matter of setting an example. What would the youngsters think if they saw old Ezekiel puffing away on this contraption?”
Jeremiah nodded solemnly. “Exactly. Our influence is not to be taken lightly. Dabbling in these trends might send the wrong message, especially if it encourages others to explore more harmful substances.”
The trio nodded in agreement, the flicker of the fire casting playful shadows across their thoughtful faces. As the night deepened, their conversation drifted from the perils of modern smoking alternatives to more timeless pursuits, like the virtues of a well-steeped cup of tea and the undeniable pleasure of each other’s company.
In the warmth of friendship and the comfort of shared wisdom, the trio found a safer, more satisfying kind of inhalation—deep breaths of laughter and camaraderie in Jeremiah’s old, bookish sanctuary.