When I wake up it’s still dark outside. I check my watch and see it’s around three in the morning. I didn’t mean to fall asleep, but with enough whiskey, that’s bound to happen. I sit up on the couch and rub my eyes with the heels of my hands.

I was a mess when we got back to the house, and I felt like I had no control. I still don’t know what the fuck I would have done if I hadn’t made it to Julie in time, but when she was safe in the house again, I needed a drink. A lot of them. Not only to calm...