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20.10.21

BEER FOR BREAKFAST

 

BEER FOR BREAKFAST

 ‘Beer for breakfast?’

‘I don’t like coffee,’ Andy said. ‘Anyway, it’s only one.’

Penny put the milk away, noting the emptiness of the fridge. “On top of the six you guzzled last night.’

‘What are you – my mother?’

‘Your mother let you do whatever you liked – that’s half the trouble.’

‘You leave my mother out of this!’

‘You brought her in.’

Andy slammed his glass down so hard that it cracked. ‘I’m going to work. I’ll be late home.’

Penny looked at baby Henry in his high chair and said calmly, ‘Be as late as you like – we won’t be here.’

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The amount of harm it does to children to grow up in the presence of addiction is incalculable, and I think Penny made the right decision - do you?

This week's image was painted by Rochelle, who also hosts Friday Fictioneers on her blog - is there no end to her talents?   https://rochellewisoff.com/

24 comments:

  1. Dear Liz,

    Enough is enough, isn't it?

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My daughter had to make the same decision.

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  2. I hope there were no consequences for her telling him her plan

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  3. I might have kept that last gem of information under my hat.

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    Replies
    1. I suppose it's possible the threat made him change his mind and get help. Just possible, not probable.

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  4. She's making the right decision. Maybe he learns from it. Let's hope he isn't a violent drunk.

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    Replies
    1. Addiction is hard to deal with, as some of my family know too well.

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  5. It is a sad situation and she best leave it. For all concerned... Well done, Liz.

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    Replies
    1. With her child to consider, her options were limited.

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  6. I think the wrong decision would be to not try anything at all. Let's hope it works out for them.

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    Replies
    1. Something needs to change, that's for sure!

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  7. A difficult and all too common story. Well told.

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  8. Even worse than his beer addiction is the fighting that little Henry is subjected to. Yes, she made the right choice.

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    Replies
    1. You are right, no child should grow up thinking that is normal.

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  9. A difficult decision, but wise in the circumstances. Sad though that little boy Henry will have to grow up without a father-figure in his life.

    Here's mine!

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    Replies
    1. Perhaps no father figure is better than one who sets a bad example?

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  10. 100% the right decision. I have to wonder how long she's allowed herself to witness her alcoholic partner up until now. If the baby is his, at least 9 months. I feel great sorrow for what comes next if she doesn't leave. Maybe Andy will get his act together at some point and prove to her he's in long-term recovery?

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    Replies
    1. There is always that hope. Thanks. jade.

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  11. It takes a lot of courage sometimes to leave even a bad situation. Hurray for Penny, making the right choice for her child. Well written piece!

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  12. Nicely written, Liz. I'm glad Penny is leaving - she can't risk her child.

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