The death rate is higher here. They drink too much. Smoke too much. Complain constantly and eat poorly. It’s a vicious cycle of addiction-poverty-addiction.

I heard them talking at ‘Timmies’ about the latest casualtie, and one man was asking another… “How could this happen?”

The look on the man’s face being asked suggested he could offer a list. He seemed to choose his words carefully, which faded as my attention was taken up by the middle-aged Asian women behind the counter.

“Americano double double.” She said, smiling.

“Yes.” I answered back.

I’m officially a regular at the Parkdale Timmie’s!

I’m reading my friends book Valedictorian.’ It’s about addiction at a treatment center.