The Hangover of Regret

3 months later…

The dimly lit Irish pub was a refuge for those seeking solace in a pint of Guinness or a shot of whiskey. The air was thick with the scent of hops and the low hum of conversations, blending into a background noise that matched Daniel’s own disheartened mood. It was a familiar place from his high school days, but tonight, it felt like a far cry from the laughter and camaraderie of the past.

Daniel sat hunched over the bar, a half-empty pint of stout beside him and a plate of neglected nachos growing cold in front of him. His high school friend, **Jason**, sat beside him, a look of mild concern on his face as he watched Daniel down another shot of whiskey.

“Come on, Daniel,” Jason said, his voice a steadying force amidst the clamor of the pub. “You’ve been drinking like this for months. It’s time to talk about something other than Emma.”

Daniel laughed bitterly, swirling the whiskey in his glass. “What’s there to talk about? I screwed up everything, Jason. I ruine