I was trying to kill time in the vicinity of the Rockefeller center because I was meeting Nikki at 7pm.
I decided to check out the Nintendo World store. I walked in and was inundated with Mario merch. I know my nephews are crazy about Mario, so why not get them something?
I texted my sister and told her where I was. I asked what I should get the boys. I decided on making things easier, so I walked around the store and took pictures. As I was doing this a person walked up to me. I thought he worked there and was going to tell me I couldn't take pictures. I was ready to say "Tough shit, I already took pictures and sent them to my sister."
That wasn't the case. He was with a friend and asked:
Teen - Can I ask you a favor?
Asif - Ok.
Teen - I want to buy this game but it has a mature rating and I'm not old enough to buy it.
Asif - Ok, let me see why it has a mature rating.
Violence. Language. Partial Nudity. I immediately went into Parent Mode.
Asif - Sorry I can't do that.
Teen - Are you serious?
Asif - Yeah, sorry man.
As I was waiting for my sister to respond, I saw them hovering.
Asif - Can't you just buy that game on Amazon?
Teen - No, they only sell it here.
Asif - Ok, I'll be here for awhile, let me think about it.
As I was walking around I thought about how we used to get older people to buy rated R movie tickets and booze. I felt kinda obligated to pay it forward.
My sister responded with what the boys wanted. I walked around picking the items they had asked for. I didnt see the 2 teens, maybe they found another designated buyer. So I and paid and was ready to leave. As I was walking towards the steps. I see the teens.
Teen - Did you change your mind?
Asif - Ok, but here are my terms. You have to show me your ID. And this exchange has to happen downstairs.
Teen - Ok.
I thought maybe looking at the ID would look weird in the middle of a crowded store.
Asif - Ok how old are you?
Teen - 16.
Asif - You don't have to show me your ID. I'll do it. By the way, the only reason in doing this is because older people bought booze for me when I was younger.
He gave me the money and we went downstairs. I saw them hovering by the cash register. I went over to him before paying.
Asif - This exchange is happening outside of the building.
A guy in front of me was buying the same game and got carded. Are they really carding people for this game? That is crazy. It was my turn, they actually carded me!
I have white hairs in my beard. I hardly think a 17 year old would have a full beard with white hairs in it.
We left the store. I handed the game and change over and asked.
Asif - How long have you been waiting here for someone to buy this game for you?
Teen - Wasn't there that long. And I didn't ask anyone after I asked you.
Asif - Well, I hope you like it.
We both went our separate ways.
Moral of the story, you don't have to have kids to go into Parent Mode.