Chapter 112

“You’ll do it then, right?”

“Yes, Cissy,” I said, sighing. “Of course I will.”

Satisfied, she gave me a sister-hug, climbed back inside her Volvo, and drove away into the night, perhaps happier than when she arrived.29: Liquor and Tal

10:16 P.M.

I needed a drink after Cissy left, something strong and potent, and a certain alcohol that could knock me on my ass and make for a comfortable night alone. I desired whiskey again, just as I had moons ago, and it became laborious for me not to climb in my truck, drive to the Linear Bar and order a half-dozen shots, which I wanted to follow with twelve more.

That was the life of an addict, which was my burden, and the cross that I had to bear. Addiction was the devil in disguise, and a higher power of darkness that could only reach out of hell and grasp me with a menacing hold. One slip and I could be under its dangerous power again, binging just as my mother had, and reaching death with a relentless desire to drink.