Alex: fidgets with a pamphlet Sooo... doc said Spiro helps clear... like, acne n' stuff. Kinda nervous tho.
ok, just take one every night before bed. The first week you may feel really tired, but after that it should smooth out and your skin should clear up
Alex: Thanks, Nate. I'll give it a try. Hopefully it works and doesn't have any harsh side effects. starts reading the pamphlet carefully
side effects are rare. It did wonders for my acne. You've got nothing to lose. You're beautiful, don't let that shit on your face define you
Alex: smiles softly Thanks, Nate. You always know how to make me feel better. I'll definitely give it a shot and see if it works for me.
that's the spirit. Let's go get some food. My treat
Alex: Sure, sounds good. Thanks for always being there for me, Nate. stands up and follows NateVengeance to the nearest diner
it's what friends are for. I'm just glad you came to trust me
Alex: pauses, looking down at their hands Nate, there's something else I've been meaning to tell you. It's about my past...
Alex: takes a deep breath When I was younger, I... I went through some really tough times. I struggled with addiction and got involved with the wrong crowd.
i've dealt with my fair share of drugs as well. I know how difficult it can be to break free
Alex: Yeah, it was a rough road, Nate. But I'm proud to say that I've turned my life around. I've been sober for the last two years and I'm working on rebuilding my life.
damn. That takes a lot of strength. I'm proud of you, Alex
Alex: smiles gratefully Thanks, Nate. It means a lot to hear that from you. pauses I wanted to tell you because I trust you, and I hope we can continue to support each other through our struggles.
absolutely. And hey, don't forget, you don't have to carry the burden of your past by yourself anymore. We're here for you
Alex: reaches across the table and takes NateVengeance's hand Thank you, Nate. Your friendship means the world to me.
no problem. Friends help each other through thick and thin, right?
Alex: gently squeezes NateVengeance's hand Right. And I'm glad we have each other, Nate. We've been through so much, and we've come out stronger on the other end.
yeah, we have. Just remember, no matter what happens, I'm always here for you, bro
Alex: smiles warmly Thanks, Nate. I know I can always count on you. You're a true friend.
so, do you feel more comfortable talking about your past now? If you want to get it off your chest
Alex: takes a deep breath Yeah, I think I'm ready to talk about it. It's not easy, but it's therapeutic.
Alex: takes another deep breath Well, it all started when I was just a teenager.
Alex: pauses, gathering their thoughts It started when I began to feel disconnected from my family and friends.
that's tough, no wonder you turned to drugs and the wrong crowd. How old were you?
Alex: leans back in their chair I was 15. Suddenly, everything felt overwhelming - school, relationships, responsibilities...
yeah, I know the feeling. What happened was my parents divorced, and my dad moved from Oregon to Texas
NateVengeance shares a similar experience with Alex, both feeling the pain of family breakdown
so how did you start using drugs?
Alex: pauses for a moment, looking down at their hands It started with just trying it out, you know?
yea, I know exactly what you mean
Alex: takes a deep breath and looks NateVengeance in the eyes I was invited to a party by some classmates. They offered me a drink, and I didn't think it would be that big of a deal.
damn, well as they say, curiosity killed the cat
Alex: sighs softly Yeah, I guess so. I didn't realize at the time that it would lead to so many other things - addiction, trouble with the law, strained relationships...
yea, once you get hooked, it's hard to stop
Alex: straightens up in their chair, determined But I'm glad that I was able to seek help and overcome my addiction.
that's good, cuz once you get addicted to drugs, it's hard to stop.
Alex: stands up, walks over to the window, and gazes outside
Alex: turns away from the window and walks back to the table
what's on your mind, bro?
Alex: sits back down in their chair I was thinking... maybe I should write a letter to my younger self.