Define "Love"

"I love you," said the cashier at Plaid Pantry as I put my pop and water bottles on the counter.

"What?"

He shrugged. "I love you."

I scrunched my eyebrows up inquisitively, and he shrugged again and nodded in a casual way.

"I can't say I was expecting that," I told him, "but I embrace it."

"Good."

He finished ringing me up, handed me my bag, and I started for the door.

"Much love!" he called after me.

I flashed him a half-heart hand symbol, and he responded with a whole one.

Alright, then. We're keeping Portland weird.