Comment from T B Botts

Excellent

Hello Jim,
another great chapter buddy. I'm glad Brian has enough sense to see that he needed to tell the truth about his addiction. It seems to have made it easier on Fran to have to deal with. Hopefully he won't suffer any more relapses. I've been fortunate that I never tried any kind of drugs, not even pot. I don't care to drink either, though I did smoke for an unGodly long time before I finally quit. Any addiction is bad, and I know the fear of thinking about not being able to count on your crutch any more. Well done.
Have a blessed evening.
Tom

 Comment Written 07-Jul-2024

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reply by the author on 07-Jul-2024

Thanks so much, Tom. I was into pot in my 20s, but gave it up when my kids were born and I had a case of bronchitis that just wouldn't go away. Pot isn't physically addicting, but it definitely is psychologically addicting. Much of this story will be about that subject.

I have always been addicted to sweets, and we just can't have them in the house or they call to me. Addiction is certainly an interesting subject and why I chose to write about it. Plus, I seem to have a thing for inventors and inventions, and we'll be getting to that later.

Comment from LJbutterfly

Excellent

I am amazed at how calm and understanding Fran is as she talks to her brother. Her caring attitude would encourage Brian to trust her judgement, and make him more willing to listen to what she advises.

Your story includes a lot of realistic detail, including the unfortunate death of Chloe.

 Comment Written 06-Jul-2024

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reply by the author on 07-Jul-2024

Thanks, Lorraine. I think once Fran could see he was telling her the truth of all of it and not dissembling, and how broken up he was over his responsibility for the death of the cat, she saw no need to pile on. A wise woman.

Comment from Dolly'sPoems

Excellent

Often it is an incident like this that gives people the wake up call they need to do something about their situation. Addiction creeps up on us and it is hard owning up to it. I enjoyed your empathic post about Brian and the mess he is in Jim, love Dolly x

 Comment Written 06-Jul-2024

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reply by the author on 06-Jul-2024

Thank you, Dolly. It's unfortunate it had to come to this, and it could have proved fatal, but he has a chance now to do something about it. It won't be easy, though.

Comment from Debbie D'Arcy

Excellent

Oh wow, Jim, this is so moving in your excellent story! Your in-depth knowledge on this subject enables you to write in intensely graphic detail, capturing the horror of drug addiction as well as demonstrating the way in which others become involved and are essential in keeping the patient alive. Without his sister, Brian may well have died. This, in turn, will take its toll on Fran and could distract from her work and livelihood. What you've done here, Jim, is to take on a complex scenario of drug abuse and, without preaching, bring it to life in the most entertaining and effective form. Well done! Debbie

 Comment Written 05-Jul-2024

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reply by the author on 06-Jul-2024

Thank you very much, Debbie. This one took a bit of research, since fortunately, I don't have any experience with Oxy. I was just re-watching the TV series Breaking Bad and a girl did die that way.

We've heard a lot of preaching about this, and I felt it wasn't necessary for Fran to browbeat him. It was pretty obvious he understood the consequences of what he had been doing.

reply by Debbie D'Arcy on 06-Jul-2024

Of course! It was Jesse Pinkman's girlfriend. A very dramatic sequence.

Comment from lyenochka

Excellent

Personally, I found this chapter more emotionally moving than the last. And I love cats, too. But it's the sacrificial love of Fran and Brian finally understanding the depth of their relationship which is much more moving.

 Comment Written 05-Jul-2024

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reply by the author on 06-Jul-2024

I agree. This one was more emotional for me to write than the previous chapter. He will have a tough time forgiving himself for all he has done wrong.

Comment from jmdg1954

Excellent

Well, Brian is talking up a good story. I'm sure he has plenty of remorse for Chloe and the circumstances leading to it. And it was terrific of him to sit in front of Fran and level with her.

I'm not fully buying it. He can kick the oxy abuse if, if, if he does as he instructed.

Only two people know what's happening... Brian and the writer!

Good work, Jim

 Comment Written 05-Jul-2024

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reply by the author on 05-Jul-2024

Yep, good point. And, don't forget--he may kick it for now, but will it be for good? I don't even know the answer to that yet, because I haven't thought that far. :)

Comment from Ulla

Excellent

It's a great story, Jime and I have to say that Brian is so lucky to have a sister like Fran. She's willing to help him and at the moment he's complying with everything she's saying. Maybe he was frightened off by his OD. Ulla:)))

 Comment Written 05-Jul-2024

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reply by the author on 05-Jul-2024

Thank you very much. You're right about everything you said, Ulla.

Comment from barbara.wilkey

Excellent

I am hoping this was Brian's rock bottom. I am hoping he gets into rehab but am fearful there's more coming. I really do like this story. It's real and people need to read it.

 Comment Written 05-Jul-2024

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reply by the author on 05-Jul-2024

Thanks very much, Barbara. The next chapter will reveal what happens as a result of this.

Comment from BethShelby

Excellent

Brian is very fortunate to have a sister who was mature enough to take over and finish raising him when their parents died. She continues to do whatever she needs to and he seems appreciative of her help. I'm enjoying the story.

 Comment Written 05-Jul-2024

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reply by the author on 05-Jul-2024

Yes, he is fortunate and appreciative. He needs her help, and she doesn't shirk her responsibility to him. The next chapter will show what happens as a result of this. Glad you're enjoying it, Beth.

Comment from Pam Lonsdale

Excellent

I don't know where Brian would be if not for Fran - beginning from the day their parents died.

There's the title - ENOUGH! I'm guessing this is not the last time we'll read it though.

Every time I read about drug addiction, I'm so thankful it is not something I've ever had to deal with.

Another great chapter, Jim. If I have any "nits", it's the part about making fluffy pancakes. Not sure the reader cares for a cooking lesson at that point.

xo
Pam

 Comment Written 05-Jul-2024

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reply by the author on 05-Jul-2024

Sorry about that. That's just a little idiosyncrasy of mine to put that bit about pancakes into most of my stories, mainly for my own amusement. :)

It really does make a difference if you stir the batter too much. It increases the amount of gluten formation. You can really tell the difference. Many restaurants serve pancakes that aren't light and fluffy but are firm and hard to cut with just a fork.

My homemade pancakes from scratch are perfectly fluffy and can easily be cut with a fork for that reason. I stir the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar mixed together) into the wet ingredients (melted butter, egg, and buttermilk mixed together) just enough to moisten the dry ingredients, and I don't worry about a few lumps. The batter should be quite thick. Makes them incredibly light and fluffy when cooked.