It started with one of those Fridays that feel too long. Emails. Calls. Deadlines. By 6 p.m., I just wanted a glass of wine and some laughter.
My best friend Claire texted, “Drinks tonight?” I said yes before even thinking about it.
We went to this small bar downtown — warm lights, soft music, that cozy kind of buzz where everyone looks happy. We ordered wine. Then another. And another.
It wasn’t wild. Just… easy. Two girls catching up, laughing too loud, sharing fries, saying “cheers” too many times.
But the next morning hit different. I woke up feeling heavy. My mouth dry, my skin pale. My stomach off. Even water didn’t taste right.
I stared at myself in the mirror and thought — what’s actually safe when it comes to alcohol?
