Danger

Entering a pub with a sober alcoholic is dicey at the best of times. As you may already be aware Ray came out of rehab little over a year ago and at every opportunity renounces drink with extended lectures and discussions on the nature of addiction. It's interesting at first but can get a little wearing. In times of 'danger' Ray will often ramp up the volume on such discussions, to the point they became like sermons on the evils of drink. And he delivers them not only to the person he is with but to anyone who will listen. Simply walking within 50 metres of a pub is a 'danger zone' never mind stepping into a campsite 'fun pub' with more in common with the Wild West than Wales. I didn't want to go in there, after witnessing the trail of destruction left by Ray's last drinking binge I didn't fancy getting caught in the chaos again but Ray was adament it would be okay. We ordered two coffees and sat by the window watching the rain bucket down outside. Ray began a monologue on how good he felt now he is sober, I tried to steer him away from the topic especially as two tough looking men were within earshot but Ray rattled on. His speech became louder and louder until two women staggered away from the bar and into our table. Finally he stopped, I noticed his cup was empty and seized my moment. Claiming hunger I urged him to venture out into the rain and into town for a fish supper. Two bags of chips later we were on safe ground, nursing tea in a bus station cafe. Never have I been more pleased to be drinking from a polystyrene cup than a pint glass.