While Joe was a man of many vices, smoking was not one of them, and it was the only one I had. It became something of a bone of contention between the two of us that escalated over time. After many months of his pushing me to quit smoking, I eventually agreed, with a few stipulations, if I was going to do this thing.
     He was to come here every day after work and help with the boys. He was to bring me chocolate or anything else I needed to help ease my nicotine cravings. And he was to stay cheerful while I bitched for the first two weeks.   After listening to my list of demands, he happily decided to accept my terms.   With a shake of my head at his foolish happiness for the upcoming apocalypse, I agreed to start this insanity the following weekend....

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