Apparently getting “clean” is all an addict has to do. Once the addict reaches the threshold of sobriety, it may promptly return to modern civilization and live out all the dreams it had before addiction. The trauma of said addiction shouldn’t linger, as the addict is clean and has zero healing left to acquire.

This was explained to me last night. Right before I was called a failure, and was asked what more my parents were supposed to do.

“We got you clean and on your way, you didn’t go back to teaching… how could you fuck that up?!”

Words slicing through my sober brain as they stumble and drip out of my drunk mother’s mouth. I had previously asked why my father was visibly not happy with me, and very defensive towards me lately.

That was my mother’s slurred answer.

I’m failing.

PERFECT!

I knew there would be a demise part 3.