Casey’s General Store #1983

From what I understand, Casey’s General Store is a mainstay of rural communities throughout Illinois and our part of the midwest. Part gas station, part convenience store, and part pizzeria, Casey’s is sometimes the only game in town after the bank and the post office have fled some of the more destitute hamlets in the corn belt. Little did I know that a Diet Coke stop in Dwight would be like an episode of CSI.
After concluding my purchase, I needed, as they say, to see a man about a horse. Casey’s bathroom was among the least appealing convenience station comfort facilities I’ve visited. As I relieved myself, I heard a muffled though distinct ringing sound from somewhere in the bathroom (one person at a time). Lo and behold, a pair of discarded blue jeans sat in the garbage, a mobile phone’s screen pulsating visibly through the cheap Wal-​Mart denim.
It being the rural America and all, immediately my mind filled with sordid thoughts of a rape, abortion, or miscarriage gone awry. I hurriedly finished up in the bathroom and alerted the young clerk behind the counter, who was completely unfazed. Just another Sunday afternoon in Dwight, I guess.