Drink a bit too much

At first, I’m careful. I have a couple of drinks, laugh with Chase, and let myself enjoy the night. But one drink turns into another, and eventually I stop keeping track. The music feels louder, the room seems warmer, and everything starts moving a little faster. I’m laughing at things that aren’t even that funny and talking more than I normally would.

Eventually, I realize I’m more intoxicated than I intended to be. My judgment starts slipping, and the boundaries I had promised myself I’d keep suddenly don’t feel quite as solid. I catch myself looking around at the people at the party and thinking about things I probably wouldn’t be thinking about sober. For a moment, the responsibilities waiting for me tomorrow—and even my girlfriend—feel strangely distant. I know I’m getting myself into dangerous territory, but instead of leaving, I stay.