[ CW ] `` Save yourself . '' - use this line of dialogue in a story without using action movie tropes

I had n't seen Eric in years. My best buddy throughout college was absent in his drive to satisfy his addiction. I tried to save him, to pull him away from the looming danger that masquaraded as `` drug experimentation''. 
 
 Eric never had much control on his impulses. It's his fault. Everytime he exited the dorm room and I asked him where he'd go off to, he would lock eyes with me for one second and the next gaze off to the side, ashamed because he knew I criticised him. 
 Even when I stood silent. Eye contact. Eyes to the side. Quick escape. 
 We were friends since high school but the writing was on the wall. He's getting lost. He dropped off soon after he started cutting costs in his life to accommodate his `` needs''. Selling personal belongings that are n't needed to live at first, minimizing the bites he ate off his meals near the end. 
 
 `` No Eric, I'm not gon na enable you dude, either get a grip on yourself or get out of here'' I shrieked in anger. 
 
 `` But I'm really trying, please just lend me the cash. I promise my parents will pay you off when they get their cheques. My dad will probably get the job in the diner. I **need** to go to rehab! It's my only shot!'' he'd cry and try to convince me. 
 
 `` Maybe you should try for once, you know make an effort to stop your addiction. You already abused our friendship. No need for rehabs and crap like that, make an effort for once in your life on your own. Stop going around asking for handouts, it ai n't gon na happen'' 
 
 God. What else could I do? I told him time and again not to throw his money on shit like that. Not to use dangerous substances, not to mix up with the bad crowd. Giving him `` help'' by his definition meant me bending over for his pleasure. Because he'd probably spend it on drugs again.I tried to understand his point of view. It does n't matter now. Young as I was, I still think I made an effort. To be honest, more than his family ever did. I'm not accountable for his actions. I was his only friend and he alienated me as much as possible even though I was there for him. 
 
 Now 10 years later, looking like he got run over by eighteen wheeler, skinny, worn out, he comes back to my door to beg. With his crocodile tears and all, just like the last time in college. I see through his charade. 
 
 `` Danny, I'm sorry I'm bothering you and your family. I know I should n't ask for loans but I've been clean for the last seven months. I need someplace to stay for a while to get myself ready for a job. It's nothing big but it will help me stand on my feet. Please, I beg you not to turn me away again.'' 
 
 `` How did you find my house?'' I shoved him to the hallway and close the door behind me. 
 
 `` You are scaring my wife and my kids. Leave.'' 
 
 `` Please do n't be like this, it's my last chance... My parents have passed away, you are the only man I can lean on... For the sake of our friendship.'' Eric whined. 
 
 `` Where were you for the last 10 years? Do you remember when you pushed me aside to have your fun with those junkie friends of yours? Do you remember how I stood by you even when you spat on my face?''. I was as sincere as I could. 
 
 `` You know what. I do n't need this. I'm sorry for bothering you.'' he turned away and scuttled towards the stairs. 
 
 `` Hey, Eric! Save yourself. You're not gon na get handouts forever.'' 
 
 `` Yeah, whatever man. Hope life treats you well'' 
 
 Two months later I received a call from some guy. Apparently Eric had relapsed and overdosed on crack shortly after I'd seen him. Damn. I ca n't say I do n't feel sorry for him. But still. It was coming to him. His fault all along. I *know* I'm not accountable. 
 
 I tried.
