Joey began to drown his sorrows in alcohol, thinking that only a half-real, half-illusory world could slightly improve his mood.

Though I had become a ghost and could no longer smell those strange odors, I could still imagine how unbearable they must be.

Empty bottles of liquor littered the floor, and all expenses were covered by the money I had left behind.

Our marriage had been brief, and no matter how capable I had been, I hadn't saved much.

The bank account quickly ran dry, and a heavy knocking came from outside.

I drifted out and saw the landlady, who had always been kind and had taken good care of...