Fallout (Crank 3)

know getting high isn’t so

smart. Ask me if I care.

I AM GENETICALLY PREDISPOSED

To addiction. At least that’s what

they tell me, over and over.

The theory has been hammered

into my head since before I could

even define the word “addiction.”

Your grandfather is an addict and

your mother is an addict, so it’s

likely you will become an addict

too, unless you basically “just say

no.” Much easier said than done,

especially when you’re predisposed

to saying, “Hell, yeah!” Anyway,

I’m more of a dabbler than a dedicated

fuckup. A little weed, a little coke.

Never tried meth. Don’t think I ought

to take a chance on that monster.

Catching a buzz is one thing. Yanking

the devil’s tail is just plain stupid.

NIKKI ISN’T HOME YET

I let myself in with the key

she leaves stashed under the plastic

rock by the door. Good thing

she doesn’t own much in the way

of expensive stuff, something

I’m sure the neighbors are well

aware of. This isn’t a bad street,

but it’s heavily stocked with students,