The Perfect Discovery

Marissa bounced on her toes as she stared up at the glittering windows of Times Square. The city buzzed around her like a giant hive, filled with honking cars and chattering voices in a dozen different languages.

"Luna! Rosa! Over here!" she called to her best friends, who were lagging behind, mesmerized by a street artist making balloon animals.

Luna jogged over, her dark curls bouncing. "This place is incredible! There's so much to see!"

Rosa nodded enthusiastically, adjusting her bright yellow backpack. "And so much to eat! Look at all these food trucks and restaurants!"

Marissa's blue eyes sparkled as she pointed down the bustling street. "My mom gave me money for lunch. We can try anything we want!"

The three friends had never been to Manhattan without their parents before. At nineteen, they felt completely grown up and ready for adventure.

"There!" Rosa pointed at a shiny new restaurant with a massive burger sign. "Smash Burger just opened! I heard they make the most amazing cheesy burgers ever."

The Triple Stack Discovery

The smell of sizzling beef and melted cheese hit Marissa's nose before they even stepped inside Smash Burger. Her stomach rumbled loudly.

"This place is packed!" Luna said, eyeing the long line of customers.

A woman with short gray hair and a bright apron appeared beside them. "First time here? I'm Sarah, the owner. Try our Triple Stack Special – three patties, extra cheese, bacon, and our secret sauce!"

Rosa's eyes went wide. "That sounds incredible!"

Twenty minutes later, the three friends sat at a corner table with mountains of food. Marissa had ordered the Triple Stack, Luna got the Mega Deluxe with onion rings, and Rosa chose the Cheese Lover's Supreme plus loaded fries.

"This is the best burger ever!" Marissa declared, taking another huge bite.

They ate and ate, laughing between bites. Each burger was bigger than their heads, but they couldn't stop. The cheese was so gooey, the meat so juicy.

"I'm getting full," Luna mumbled, but kept eating.

"Me too," Rosa agreed, reaching for more fries. "But it's too good to stop!"

Sarah stopped by their table. "How are the burgers, girls?"

"Amazing!" all three chorused with their mouths full.