It was about seven weeks ago. You and I pulled an "all-nighter". I worked the next day but hell, we'd done it before. As our 7:00 am shift drew closer, I decided to pull over to a payphone, since we could no longer afford the cellular. I don't remember the exact words we came up with but I got the message across, "I'm chillin' with Tina now". Thanks to corporate policies, that would buy us a few weeks of full time partying until they could sort out what to do with us.

With that we cut the remaining family ties, ditched those "friends" that didn't see it your way and went for it. We were a team for years but not like this, we had just secured a six week recess as if we were kids in play school. We were inseparable. You gave me the strength to start every day before my feet touched the ground and you were the warm blanket that kept me safe when you decided I needed sleep. We even went to that "referral for treatment" appointment together; you never did care enough to ask what that was about. "Whatever!"

We were quite the team you and I, we really enjoyed the "high" life, however contrary to popular belief you're not a cheap date. I slowly spiralled into debt but with your slick coaching skills, I learned how to justify everything. We never let it worry us beyond "what the hell, it's all good".

Remember the good old days when we used to go and visit "Tom" in Vancouver? He was a mountain of crystal, a party the size of Texas. The party started as soon as we boarded the ferry, God that was fun! Hoots in the privacy of the wheelchair washroom, the race off the ferry striving to be the first car downtown. Damn, it was speed all the way.

Well my friend, we are boarding the 9:00 am ferry to Vancouver now. We have our trustee pipe, a slick new back-up model, just in case and an overnight bag in the off chance that you think I should get some sleep. You know, I'm thankful that you didn't question what the weekend plan would be you just coasted along on my high, taking in the atmosphere of a bustling ferry trip. We charged up the stairs to the familiar bathroom for some privacy.

I wonder dear Tina, did you see it coming? One hoot, two hoots, dare we take three? Sure one more, since it's just you and me.

Suddenly, it all changed and I heard you cry, "what are you doing to us, and why?"

Your body, so sleek and bowl so clear shattered to bits under the weight of my fear. I had smashed the lifeline between you and I then pulled out the back-up and heard his shrill cry. I was plunged into loneliness and scared to death, but I was going for treatment, to find a life without meth.

I always believed that when you step on a spider, you bring on the rains. I liken you to a spider and I've smashed both your brains. I'm trembling in detox as your clutches grow weak, the clouds are forming and it rains for a week. My heart is heavy, my head in a daze, I hardly opened my eyes those first five days. Now the storm clouds have parted and I've seen some light but it's the next 28 days I must stay and fight.

I'm not sorry I sold out and tricked you. I lead you to think we were going to party, but that wasn't it, I was going to find Marty. You didn't see it coming, our abrupt end, but why should I of warned you? You were never, ever my friend.

Those rains were brief and only in my mind, and once those clouds parted, it was Marty I did find. Now 28 days have begun, at last, under skies so blue in a land so vast.

I don't miss you Tina or Crystal or whoever you are, it's the love of my family that's brought me this far.

A triumphant end, and a new beginning.