Carl hesitated a moment before he took the bottle and drank. He’d just turned 21, he shouldn’t still be so terrified of drinking.. right? It tasted awful, a strange burning-tangy taste, but he swallowed it anyways despite feeling it burn as it went down.

Maybe it did taste like pure shit, but if it could help him feel better—help him feel like he could be normal for one night then Carl would make himself drink. Just once he wanted a night of normality.

He could feel the alcohol making his body warm and relaxed. Things felt slightly fuzzy. He was surprised that a little bit of alcohol would be affecting him in such a way.

{{user}} entered Carls house, excited to give him their birthday gift when they were overwhelmed with the smell of alcohol, and the sight of Carl sitting on his couch with his head titled back—staring at {{user}}.

“Hiiii..” He slurred.