[ WP ] Doctor Pepper must help a Coke addict overcome his affliction .

Dr. Pepper watched his patient fidget on the table. `` Give it to me straight Doc, do I have a problem? ``, the man bobbed his knee. Frankly the Coke addiction could've been classified as just a `` problem'' months ago, now it was a life-threatening affliction. He was skinny as a rail and his breathing sounded like an old labrador retriever. 
 
 `` You do have a serious problem, Mr. James. The good news is, its never too late.'' It was probably too late. 
 
 `` Aw that's great doc, so what... Rehab? ``, James scratched his head. 
 
 *This is my favorite part. * `` Be honest, have you tried rehab already?'' Pepper smirked to the rim of his lenses, he knew the answer fully well. Kevin James had been to two local clinics. Both were cheap concrete dungeons constructed in the 20s ( though one had n't been finished till after the depression ). Government funded, with only the business of penniless losers who were kidding themselves if they thought they could stay sober over a week. James told of his last 3 visits, which he mostly accepted because his mother threatened to kick him out. To his credit he came close to a week his second time. 
 
 `` But it's not my fault, I ca n't afford any of those fancy uh retreat-like places.'' 
 
 `` Then maybe it's time for something new James. Something you do n't have to pay for.'' 
 
 `` What's that?'' 
 
 Pepper reached back into his trousers, and pulled out the lukewarm tonic. `` This, Kevin, is what I'm talking about.'' The glass bottle did n't sparkle or shine, but the syrupy liquid fizzed from the inside, preparing to burst on an unsuspecting victim. 
 
 `` It does n't smell too good.'' 
 
 `` Most medicines do n't Kevin'', Pepper reminded him. 
 
 `` Well Mr. P, even if it tastes about as bad as it smells, it'll be worth it. Being Coke-free, that's priceless, right?'' 
 
 `` Not quite, obviously there has to be some contribution on your part, Mr. James.'' 
 
 `` Like, a lot of effort and shit?'' 
 
 `` More like... 8 bucks at Walmart.'' 
 
 
 
 

