The fact is: cigarettes break down the telomeres in your cells, and you get cancer.

...But you'll still read books, and young, intelligent, interesting and downright likeable characters will smoke, while they share a poignant moment at an easily recognizable location.

And you'll smoke.

And it will be beautiful.

The fact is: Drinking alcohol kills your brain cells and rots your liver.

...But you'll still see movies, and you'll see people sort things out and have revelations while they're drinking. You'll see people reach new levels of truth and honesty in their relationships. Not even a silver bullet could slow them down.

And you'll have a pint with your friends, and it'll be just like that. Good natured jibes, and hearty pats on the back. The friendly bartender will put it all on your tab.

And it will be beautiful.

The fact is: If you have unprotected sex, your genitals might rot and fall off, or you could just die. That's if you don't have a wee little baby.

...But you meet someone at a rave, and not a single word is ever exchanged. The only things you share are saliva and sweat laced with methylenedioxy-n-methylamphetamine. There's a bit of shamanistic magic in that, even though it goes no further than that moment.

...And it will be wild beauty.

Do people exist in both of those worlds, or can you will yourself to just exist in one?