"I believe you," Mona said, when Alex told her that he had tried. But it was obvious it had gotten too far now. "I don't want you to feel sick, but I know that the only way for you to not feel sick by not drinking, is to not drink for a long time. You have to get it out of your system, Alex," Mona whispered, anxious for him.
She got up and leaned on one elbow, looking down at him.
"You know, your father was supposed to have gone through all of this. And your mum would know too. Maybe you should talk to them - find out how your father did it. Got past the need, you know? I mean, if you want to," she whispered, biting her lip.
Mona hoped he wanted to, but she wasn't going to say that he had to.