He kissed her goodnight.
          A brush of liquored breath.
"Sweet dreams, I love you."
          Slurred words of comfort.
He stumbles to the couch.
          In search of the bottle half empty.
Guzzling liquid to stifle a cry.
          Drunken thoughts hit him.
Sobs rise up his throat.
          No, just *****.
Heave after heave rack his body.
          Weak and spent he slumbers at last.

She's tired.
          Brushing hair away from his face.
She's sad.
          A blanket to keep him comfortable.
She's angry.
          Cleaning the mess so he wont remember.
She loves him.
          *"You're my best friend. I could never hate you. I'm here for you. I will take care of you. I love you."