Till It Runs Dry by Collier Crystal

Author:Collier, Crystal
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: B. Love Publications
Published: 2023-07-26T00:00:00+00:00

eleven

Rheem

My hands shook nervously even with my fists closed securely.

It had been two days since I’d had more than a shot of whiskey. I figured I could stop cold turkey since I didn’t have a problem, but after the first day, the cravings were overwhelming.

I sat and read the text message from Cotton over and over, coming up with every excuse for why I shouldn’t click the number and call for help. The truth was, I didn’t want her to be right. I didn’t want to let her win. I wanted to prove to her and to anyone else who thought I had a problem that I didn’t. I was fine. I wasn’t an alcoholic like my father.

I was nothing like that monster.

But when the contents of my trash can accumulated on the floor as I searched for bottles of whiskey in the trash, pulling them out and tilting them back, realizing they were bone dry, I knew I needed to do something.

A call to New Hope Recovery Center was made under extreme duress. A series of questions were asked and answered and I was instructed on when to come in.

I wasn’t ready to go in, but I knew I couldn’t sit in the car forever.

“Here goes nothing.”

Getting out of the car, I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply. The stench of the city’s dump and smokiness from the exhaust of cars filled my lungs.

Letting the breath go, I looked down at my hands, slid them into my pockets, and shook my head. I was doing this for Nylon, but I had to admit, it was for Shiloh as well. The conversation she and I had the other day made me feel some type of way. Cotton was on my head, like always, but Shiloh said a lot without saying anything.

I didn’t need to prove anything to anyone, but the motivation to do so was there.

“Good morning, sir. Are you here as a guest or as family of one of our guests?” A short man behind the reception desk spoke as I crossed the threshold into the building.

“Uh. I have an appointment for ten.”

I kept my voice low because the lobby wasn’t empty.

My eyes scanned the area intently. I felt out of place, even though it was just the two of us at the desk. Shame in my actions had me wondering if all of this was necessary. Anything I needed to do to see Nylon was necessary, I reminded myself, but sitting in a group of strangers, spilling my life story, seemed excessive. It was clear by my uncontrollably shaking hands I needed to slow down my drinking, but I wasn’t convinced I needed a place like this.

The portly man cleared his throat, and I gave him my attention.

“Right. Fill out this form, then bring it back with your ID and insurance card.”

“I already gave y’all that on the phone.”

See, they were already doing too much.

Why ask me for something over the phone, just to ask for it in

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