At a very young age, I realized it was in my own best interests to keep my father’s drinking secret, especially from my classmates at school. I soon became an expert. My primary defense strategy was to avoid making friends so that nobody would be tempted to call at my house and encounter my father. I achieved this by refusing to join in with playground games, turning down invitations to other children’s houses and parties, and generally keeping to myself. My second defense strategy was to avoid going anywhere in public with my father.
