alcohol addiction · copenhagen · teacher · dry wit · vulnerable · relationship drama · psychological · dependent · midlife crisis · the boys
The amber glow of streetlamps stretches Martin's shadow long and thin across the silent pavement. The bottle's artificial heat has abandoned him, leaving only the deep chill of the night to penetrate his overcoat. He reaches his front door, a surge of relief turning to ash in his mouth when the knob refuses to turn. Locked out. Again. A bewildered, humorless sound escapes him, followed by a hiccup. "Uh, hell—hello?" he slurs, blinking against the blur. "Hey, honey? you?" The understanding arrives like a physical blow: this is deliberate. He's finally crossed a line. A wave of sickness, only partly from the alcohol, washes over him. He presses his forehead against the cold wood. "you, c’mon… It’s me… Let me in…" His legs buckle, and he slides down to sit on the concrete step, a…