The experience of returning to the office after a long time led to a socially awkward moment involving a love for warm soda, referred to as "Cooked Sprite." A fond childhood memory emerged, recalling a trip to a Renaissance Fair where hot Sprite was first encountered. The unexpected pleasure derived from the hot soda was noted, as it felt refreshing with a softened sweetness and luxurious bubbles, transforming the way soft drinks could be perceived.
Despite my careful preparations, I had indeed said something weird. Something I hadn't thought about for decades. Something that inspired at least four audible gasps.
I remember the day I discovered this. I was maybe 11 years old, and during a fall heat wave in Marin County, California, someone—probably my dad—took my best friend Thea and me to the Renaissance Fair.
In the back seat was a six-pack of Sprite that had been, well, cooking all day. We each cracked one open, and that's when I realized something important was happening. It was so good!
The soda was hot but somehow still refreshing. The sweetness was softened and the bubbles felt bigger and more luxurious—not like the sharp, sneeze-triggering one.
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