Grandad is a drinker, first class. The only thing that pleases him in this world is alcohol, nothing else. He boozes every day, at every meal, breakfast included. No one could dissuade him. Should there be a drinking Olympiad, Grandad would make a gold medallist.

One day years ago, Grandad was down with a nasty cold. His doctor put him on a drip. Back home at the dinner table he persisted in taking his stuff. Even a kid knows that if you are getting an injection or an IV, you should not ingest any alcohol. The addictive chemical, mixed with some drugs in your bloodstream, could cost your life. Despite everything, Grandad remained adamant and drank like a fish. A physician himself, Father tried to persuade Grandad out of it. Father and son ended up in a blazing row.

Although the whole family were for his good, Grandad did not appreciate it. Consequently, the relationship between him and us soured and rotted. These years, the only time we visit him is the first day of the lunar Chinese New Year.

Alcohol a brain killer, Grandad now exhibits initial symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. For one thing, he often misrecognises people. For another, he cannot even tell the time. Once he is under the influence, his behaviour will be out of order. He was on an occasion seen urinating in broad daylight on the high street by some neighbours. He did not feel a thing about it. If a family member comments on his addiction, he will retort bitterly, “I will stop drinking once I drop dead!”

Is there any chance that Grandad might kick his lethal habit and redeem himself one day? I doubt it.