My Very Last Alcoholic Drink

I was gulping my fourth beer and thinking about all the tasks for the following day when I felt a tap on my shoulder. "Gavin, good to see you." I turned around and saw Peter, my ex-classmate from high school.

"Hi, Peter. Haven't seen you in ages. Where have you been?"

" I moved away but had just returned today. How's your family?"

"Very well, thanks. And yours?"

"So you haven't heard? My wife and children died in a traffic accident last year. A drunk driver caused it. My life has not been the same since."

"I'm sorry to hear that. I hope you're all right now."

"I don't think I'll ever be all right again. Families of victims of these accidents have their lives changed forever. If anything lasts forever, this could well be the one thing. Any way, I'm going now. Are you going? You want a lift?"

"I've got my car tonight. Thanks for the offer."

"I know you've got your car. I'm offering you a lift in your car."

"Peter, you mean you want to drive me home in my car. Why would I need that?"

"Because you've had too much to drink."

"No, I haven't."

"Yes, you have. If not, you would have remembered that I was also killed in the same traffic accident. I was the drunk driver who killed the whole family driving after downing a six-pack. Can you remember now? Do you still want to drive home?"

I felt shivers down my spine and stared at Peter. I did remember hearing about the tragedy now. Peter smiled kindly, walked me to the car and gave me a lift home. I woke up a couple of hours later and found myself still sitting at the bar.

I examined my glass with the remaining beer in it and said goodbye to what was to be the very last alcoholic drink in my life.