coffee shop goer who uploaded mailing list visits pet shop
pet shop owner has strange shelf-mushroom-like growth on head, with antennae and tendrils that go into scalp and face
visitor: “what’s a good pet to buy?”
pet shop owner (with growth on head, grinning strongly): “how about a brain-eating parasite?”
visitor (looking around at shelves): “i’m not sure, are brain eating parasites fun?”
visitor leans down to look at something that looks a little bit like a chubby snake with legs
pet shop owner leans down pointedly on their counter with meaningful body language that gets visitor to look back toward them
pet shop owner (still grinning hugely): “look, the brain eating parasite stimulates complete euphoria in the owner as it eats their brain. you definitely want one of these.”
particles of matter the same color as the growth on the head of the pet shop owner, spray out of their mouth as they talk
visitor runs out of the pet shop and slams the door.
visitor (to pedestrian): “don’t go in that pet shop!”
pedestrian (about to enter pet shop, looking at visitor): “hmm?”
pedestrian enters pet shop
another shopper leaves the pet shop. they are grinning hugely as they return satisfied to their vehicle. they have an extraterrestrial fungus growing out of their head.