Scotlands Glory

William Kerr

My eyes open, I don`t realise where I am. The first thought in the real mind, in contrast to the drunken hangover mind is `Jesus, I cannot do this today`. I have said all week that I will not drink and walk, so far I have managed one night out of five. My eyes are still closed as if they are glued shut. I don`t try to prize my eye lids apart as I am content to lay here still fast asleep and awake.

No one is talking at breakfast; all I get is grunts. The feeling is more like sitting in your daddy's aunties than a hostel kitchen in Kinlochleven. Don't say anything, don't touch anything and speak only when you are spoken too. We are withdrawn from each other as if something terribly embarrassing had happened last night; I don't look at them or them at me. ... (continues)