I'm sure you are not alone in your story. I myself struggle to put myself in the shoes of those who are not white middle class males like me. You gave a good glimpse into your life and the insecurities and desire that led you down the wrong path.

“Tell me who you’re walking with and I’ll tell you who you are."

This is something my mother warned me about to, but as like most young adults, we believe we know what's best and can be around anyone without any effect on us. It led me to some foolish experimentation with drugs/alcohol and I am fortunate that I did not injure myself, others, or wind up in prison. I've found that age and wisdom are almost always correlated in a positive relationship. But most young people are too bull-headed to listen to valuable content from parents and grandparents.

I'm glad your secret writer story has a positive ending and that you have found a woman in your life and will hope you can stay strong both in your health and abstinence from illicit substances.

And I have to say to @stellabelle I love that you closed with a Biggie Juicy reference! Another brilliant use of artwork breathing life into a great story.