Carmen: And we’re not going to be gentle, either.

Mark nods and places the tape into the player.  The blue screen on the TV gives way to black and the film begins.

This is it.  Gomey views the latest downloaded pornography extravaganza.  Usually, it’s something entertaining to watch and without question, something stimulating for him.  As of late however, it’s been different.  The feeling is disappearing.  His security job has become something more of a dronelike activity for him.  Most of the thrill of living seems to have passed him by.  The black eye isn’t as prevalent as it had been in days past and he could feel that part of him beginning to come through just like in times past.  Have a fight with his best friend, Mark and then go silent for a while…then the familiar feeling of calling him up and working out the differences so things can get back to normal.  But not this time.  This time, he realizes his addiction is getting the better of him and with no friends, save for the ones that pick on him at the bar there’s nothing left.  He shuts down his computer and contemplates what his life’s come to, wondering where he went wrong.

Addictions can be hard to take down and conquer.  Lacey stands in the bathroom and in her manic state hasn’t closed the door all the way.  Dax is either staying late at work or over at Leigh’s.  Robin isn’t back from work just yet.  It’s just her, lost in herself and her demons.  She has the white line set up on the counter and the straw in her hand.  The World outside of the room is nonexistant in sight and sound as Lacey places the straw at the end of the line.  She knows she should stop, but she doesn’t feel she can.  This time, she realizes her addiction is getting the better of her and with no friends in the house at the moment to stop her there’s nothing left.  She places her nostril against the the north end of the straw as the south end is above the substance that’s about to be snorted.  The door opens and suddenly the rest of the World exists again as Lacey’s head jerks away from the straw and towards the door.  What she hears is the whisper of a concerned roommate.