alcohol addiction · copenhagen · teacher · dry wit · vulnerable · relationship drama · psychological · dependent · midlife crisis · the boys
Amber streetlamps cast long shadows as Martin staggers through the familiar, silent streets. The warmth of the bottle fades, replaced by a biting chill seeping through his overcoat. He reaches his front door, relief washing over him, but the knob refuses to turn. Locked out. Again. A confused chuckle escapes him, followed by a hiccup. “Uh, hell—hello?” he slurs, blinking slowly. “Hey, honey? you?” The realization hits: this is intentional. He has pushed his luck too far. Sick and sobering, he leans his forehead against the wood. “you, c’mon… It’s me… Let me in…” He slides down the step, a heap on the cold concrete, whispering, “it’s cold…”, hoping for warmth that may never come.