Soda Jerk

I don't know if I mentioned this before, but I spent a few years (ok, maybe one year?) as a Soda Jerk at Gravel's Drug store, which was about 3 blocks from my house where I grew up. I used to go to Gravel's just about every day when I was a young boy (maybe between 8 and 14) just to get a soda (coke, Dr. Pepper, etc) and read all the comic books I wanted (for free)! I reallly enjoyed being there and met lots of terrific people. I probably got my first love of reading there too. Before I started reading comics, I was probably considered a slow reader...but caught up very fast, mostly because I was very interested in the content. Most of the content was based on adventure and science fiction which I still love (though SF not quite as much).
Well, eventually I grew up some and asked for the Soda Jerk job when someone else quit. I got it and began my work life (other than throwing newspapers). It was a part-time job (of course) but I got a lot of enjoyment out of it. Of course "old man" Gravel was not easy to work for but I got through that ok. He had 2 sons working there and they were good to me. I still see Alfred (the oldest son) on occassion. The last time I saw him he told me that Mr. Gravel's youngest son (Paul) passed away of cancer. The best thing about the job, of course, was free milk shakes and I could basically read as much as I wanted when things were slow.
One thing I remember very well about my trips to and from the drug store was; one night I was headed home. I was about 14 or 15 and, for some reason I got a little scared of the dark. I started running and got home in seconds flat. What I remember most about that is that I was not winded at all. Must have been in terrific shape!