[beascarpetta]

Ordinary people make the mistake of telling addicts they should fight their addiction. They do not understand that addicts and their addictions are inseparable to an extent where every separation equals amputation. Therefore, many addicts look back nostalgically on their addictions. They've gotten rid of their problem but at the same time they've lost a part of themselves.

Before I myself became one of them, I only felt scorn for addicts. I believed they were cowards and egotists whose only goal in life was to satisfy their obsession, but now I've come to understand their predicament and their plight.

There was a time not long ago when I was just like one of them. I used to work as a bus driver. I would wake up early in the morning when it was still dark outside and the streets were empty. I cycled to the bus depot, got on my bus, started the engine and was off to my first round through the still sleepy streets. I was cold since the bus usually needed an hour to warm up , but this did not bother me at all. I greeted passengers, who got on the bus and chatted with old ladies, who were often confused and never quite sure if they had taken the right bus , or tourists who could never get enough information.

I was still single. I thought there was enough time to get hitched and have children later on. Up to then, I simply enjoyed life; I worked hard five days a week and at weekends I went out, got drunk and occasionally indulged in one-night stands.

I used to listen to the radio both on my shifts and at home. I read the papers , occasionally even books and I noticed that with every passing day the world seemed to be getting one step closer to the brink of destruction.

Children were killing their playmates, pupils butchered their peers and teachers, every night at least one school was burnt down , dozens of cars destroyed by fire, handicapped in wheelchairs attacked and left to die in pools of blood.

Many of my colleagues were attacked as well; they were not only robbed but also suffered terrible injuries.


I think that "to get hitched" does not tie in with the register you use for the rest of the text.

I'm afraid I've got to run now. Still,I hope this helps a little.I really loved reading it.