Sitting in a park, the author is alone with his main friend: 'It was so peaceful, man to immortal.' Who is this friend? He is the Devil, he is Lucifer. He is life-giving blood and at the same time, he is 'liquid death'. He is. alcohol. Derek's story of his efforts to free body and mind from the power of this constant companion will set you thinking. His determined struggle to recover from the devastating effects of an alcohol-induced stroke will win your admiration. When he confesses his affair with his 'mistress from hell' to his wife, Debbie, she agrees without hesitation to support him throughout his rehabilitation programme. The author asks himself what lured him into a 'relationship' with 'Him': was it boredom, loneliness, a lack of self-worth? Whatever the reason, he concludes that alcoholism is an illness; not something to be proud of, but not something to be ashamed of either. The darkly comic way in which Derek describes his experiences in this inspiring and moving confession reflects his courage and spirit. We hope his 'return ticket' is indefinitely valid. The truth is easy to write, but hard to accept. I have! My brain haemorrhage has given me a second chance, a second chance to live my life for me and not for Him! I hope you enjoy your read.