busted

'You know, if you go in the house, the kids are going to call the cops, and you'll go right back to jail', she said.  I thought about that for a moment.  I certainly did not want to go back to jail, and I had no intention of going into the house.  I was confused as to how I should respond to this statement.  Luckily, she spoke first.  'You need help.  You look like shit, you've got nowhere to go, probably no money.  What are you gonna do?'  I thought about this for a moment.  I still was pretty sure that I could scrape up enough money for a couple more beers....but then what?  I panicked for a second.  This is the moment that creates both dread and relief in every alcoholic.  I knew the run was over, but there still had to be a way, a way to have at least a few more drinks before I dealt with the inevitable.

'You know, you're right', I said.  I've made a mess of things the last few days.  I really should get some help.'  Then I played my last card. 'But, you know, these days, if you go to a detox, and your blood alcohol isn't high enough, they won't take you.  They want to save the beds for those people that really need them'  'Like anyone needs one more than you', she said.  She did have a point there.  'Listen, you gotta trust me on this one.  If I can get a pint before I go in, they'll take me, no problem.'  She eyed me suspiciously.  'A pint?  That seems like an awful lot.  How about just another beer?'  I was not in the mood to bargain here.  'A beer won't put me over the limit.  I haven't been drinking at all, and they will just breathalyze me and cut me loose.'  She pointed at the empty can next to my foot on the floor, then shook her head in defeat.  'Don't go anywhere, and DO NOT go in the house. I'll be back in 15 minutes.'  I tried to look sullen, but inside I was jumping for joy at the prospect of one more.  But, I knew this thing was coming to a screeching halt.  Real soon.