On the solution to the party within the autorickshaw, I set two alarms: the primary, for 9:30pm, was labelled THINK OF HOW YOU FELT BEFORE THE HOSPITAL. The second, half an hour later, shouted: THINK OF YOUR PARENTS AND SISTER. In my third week of sobriety, a life without alcohol still didn’t come naturally to me. Social events were especially intimidating—before, I could depend upon alcohol to be a social lubricant that made all the pieces feel easier and more vibrant. With a couple of drinks in me, I had all the time been the lifetime of the party, dancing to Bollywood music, oversharing embarrassing anecdotes and making out with someone I had barely met, abruptly. Now, being invited to...
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