““Lady finally broke and said, “I gotta smoke. Gimme five minutes.” Her hands were trembling. “Sure,” Mattie said. “Just step outside.” “Thanks.” “How many packs a day?” “Just two.” “What’s your brand?” “Charlie’s. I know I ought to quit, and I’ve tried, but it’s the only thing that settles my nerves.” She grabbed her purse and left the room. Mattie said, “Charlie’s is a favorite in Appalachia, a cheaper brand, though it’s still $4 a pack. That’s eight bucks a day, two-fifty a month, and I’ll bet Stocky smokes just as much. They’re probably spending $500 a month on cigarettes and who knows how much on beer. If there’s ever a spare dollar, they probably buy lottery tickets.” “That’s ridiculous,” Samantha said, relieved to finally say something. “Why? They could pay off his fines in one month and he’s out of jail.” “They don’t think that way. Smoking is an addiction, something they can’t simply walk away from.””
