I bounce around from one conversation to the other, my head’s starting to sweat. I have a glass of bitters and soda to fight off the dawn. A song from 4 years before I was born is stuck in my head and Karen keeps talking, incessantly, and to no one in particular.

I want a real drink, but I gave those up for lent. I can’t believe how long she can talk in one go, without response. I should start a radio show, I think, one of those internet ones that no one listens to, but everyone recommends. I wonder if getting high breaks a lent? I should ask someone one if they can look it up on their smartphone.

I just nodded. I think she bought it. Good god things are boring with a sober head and paradoxically inclined friends. She’s smiling, and I respond.

This was a lot easier with a head full of booze and the morning full of regret. A head full of regret and bitters is no way to find home.

We walk towards an eastern star in the clear winters night. Hand in hand with regret, I move with clear eyes, waiting for the inevitable dawn.