By Hugh Cartwright
Outside, seven-year-old Katie is playing with the dog.
I slip into her bedroom and grab the fat-faced pig with its carefully hoarded coins. What will she think when she discovers?
While Katie sings happily to herself, I’m trying to control my shaking. The money is all that matters. It must be mine.
Fighting humiliation and disgust, I swing the hammer, smashing the pig.
I gather the meagre haul, kick the shards under her bed, and sneak out.
Minutes later, the bartender is staring as if he knows what I’ve done.
Flushed with shame, I spread the coins and order a scotch.
Good piece on addiction.
This portrays the dilemma for the person who is addicted and the consequences for any one close to them.
So hard. In vivid detail you paint the picture of an alcoholic’s desperation. He or she clearly knows the child. Well written.
A powerful piece.
I love how we didn’t realize until the last line that the narrator was not a sibling.
Interesting.
That closing line really delivers. Great piece!
A guy like that would get a King Can at the convenience store!
Well written… definitely describes addiction well…chapeau…
Wow. Such a sad and gripping tale of addiction!