Daniel knelt and held out a bottle. I thought it was pop, then saw the label.Beer? I said.It helps. I knew his meds had dissolved, so I grabbed a few from the store.Corey took it and twisted off the cap. A few gulps. Then a deep breath as he relaxed. Another long drink, then a sidelong glance at me.Yes, I'm self-medicating with booze and I know that's not smart.
In the scene, Daniel offers a bottle to Corey, initially mistaken for soda, only to reveal it contains beer. Corey acknowledges the risks of using alcohol to cope with his feelings, implying an awareness of self-medicating. The conversation highlights the pressure and challenges faced by individuals dealing with mental health issues, leading him to seek an alternative remedy in the form of alcohol.
Corey takes a few gulps, visibly relaxing with each drink. His actions mirror a common struggle of people who resort to substances for temporary relief. This moment encapsulates a broader theme of the book, addressing the difficulties of battling internal demons while recognizing the dangers of unhealthy coping mechanisms.
