[ WP ] In an alternative universe , alcohol was banned instead of weed . Describe your traumatic childhood with stoner parents

The snow was still coming down. It had been snowing nonstop for the past two days but what a place to be trapped Karen thought. Ryan pulled off the blanket that was covering the young couple. 
 
 `` Another?'' he asked Karen as he motioned his eyes to her glass of moonshine. The flames from the living room fireplace roared in front of them. 
 
 `` Sure'' she replied. 
 
 As Ryan went to the kitchen, Karen slowly got up and stretched, observing the cabin living room around her, she walked around the room and found her self looking out at the large bay window. She thought how lucky she was to have met Ryan just six months ago. Her life had been like a fairytale since and here she was at his three bedroom cabin with panoramic views of the forest. 
 
 Unfortunately, she also felt like there was something that he was holding back. If they were going to take the next step she was determined to find out exactly what it was. It had taken her the better part of a week to secure a bottle of homemade liquor but she had done it. From a friend of a friend of course. She was hoping it would help her on her quest. 
 
 As Ryan came back in to the room with two quarter filled glasses of noticabely strong hooch Karen was back near the fire, observing the photos on the mantle. As he handed her the glass she decided to waste no time. 
 
 `` I noticed your father is n't in any of the photos and you never mention...'' her words trailed off as she saw the pain in his face. `` What's wrong?'' 
 
 `` My father, he was n't around much. I do n't like talking about it. I already told you this'' 
 
 `` I know you do n't... but it's me. I wo n't force you to tell me any more but I just wish, well, that I could understand you better.'' She sat down. 
 
 Ryan sighed and rubbed his brow. He sat down next to Karen. 
 
 `` Okay. If you need to know, my father... was a marijuana addict.'' He paused to observe her reaction. 
 
 `` Oh Ryan, I'm sorry.'' Karen replied softly. 
 
 `` I have long come to terms with it and yet, it still looms...'' Ryan said, trying to fight the tremble in his voice. 
 
 `` What did he do to you?'' she asked. 
 
 `` A lot of things, Karen. For instance, my 8th birthday party. We had this big party in our backyard with a clown, magician, and even a pony. It was every kids dream. However, when it came time for cake my stoned father told all my friends and parents the cake had just fell on the floor. The disappointment was palpable. In fact, some kids never forgave me for it. What I later found out was my Dad had got stoned off his ass the night before and ate the entire cake.'' 
 
 `` Ryan, how awful... no child should ever have to deal with something like that.'' 
 
 `` It gets worse. Do you know what it's like to have to drive back home three times every time we go out because Dad's too high to remember his phone or his wallet? Do you know what it's like to have to lock up your Halloween candy because your father might steal it and replace it at a later date? That's if he was at home at all, he spent many a night down at the local vapor lounge.'' 
 
 Tears were streaking down Ryan's face but he did n't care at this point. He felt a sense of empowerment to finally talk to somebody. He continued. 
 
 `` You know, I used to dream my father could be like all the other fathers. Like my friend Joe's Dad. He did n't need to have weed to have a good time. Sure, he might have had some moonshine on the weekend but who does n't? it's practically legal now anyways.'' He put down his glass. `` The worst thing you're going to do drunk is get violent and aggressive. I never got to see my father's violent side.'' 
 
 Karen grabbed his hand `` You're so brave for telling me all of this. I know how hard it must be. But it explains so much, like why you do n't smoke'' 
 
 `` Never touched the stuff and I used his weaknesses as motivation to get where I am today. To be better then him.'' He paused and smiled. `` You know what? It really feels great to get this out. I feel a burden lifted.'' 
 
 `` I can tell.'' Karen smiled. `` But I have to know, what happened to your father? is he still alive?'' 
 
 `` Yes, but we have n't talked in years. I do n't even know where he lives anymore, probably somebodies couch.'' 
 
 `` And your mother?'' 
 
 `` We still talk but to be honest I have never been able to fully forgive her for standing by as my father inadvertently psychologically abused me. She let him smoke his life away.'' 
 
 Karen reached over and hugged Ryan. `` We wo n't make the same mistakes. If we have a family one day you will be a great father.'' 
 
 Ryan smiled. `` I'm not so sure...'' 
 
 `` I am!'' Karen shouted before giving him a kiss on the lips. They both laughed. `` The worst our kids would ever do is have a few strong drinks on the weekend and that's when they get older, of course.'' 
 
 `` But what if it's a gene? what if it's recessive?'' 
 
 `` We would be such good parents it wo n't matter'' Karen replied with a smirk. 
 
 Ryan got up and scooped Karen out her seat. She giggled. 
 
 `` You're right. We wo n't make the same mistakes. I love you.'' he told her. 
 
 `` I love you too.'' she replied. 
 
 Outside, the snow continued to fall. 

