My number’s up (also down, and sideways) and I’m completely hooked

It all started when I was filming in the middle of the countryside last February.

The film was set in the middle of summer. We were sitting in the middle of winter.

Another actor waited to film the next scene with me. We had been waiting for some time. We were cold, tired and felt down on our luck.

We had chatted, read the papers, read the script, rehearsed the script and chatted a little more.

Soon after I had settled down to watch the rain drops roll down the window panes.

Suddenly out of the corner of my eye I noticed a movement. I looked closer. I couldn’t believe my eyes. He was doing it. Right in front of me.

I didn’t know where to look. I read my script again. I read the paper again. I sent as many texts as I could without going into debt. I tried to ignore it but I couldn’t. In the end I made the fatal mistake of asking him about it.

It was an innocent question but he let it all pour out.

One to 9 across, he said. One to 9 down, he smiled. One to 9 in each square, he smirked.

He knew what he was doing. I on the other hand didn’t. I made my excuses and left. My breathing was heavy. I was sweating. What was happening to me?

The next day, our final day of filming, I found myself looking towards him at each break.

I wanted to know if he was doing it again. He would smile when he caught my eye. He knew I was hooked. There was no way out. I was scared and confused.

The next day I awoke with a start. I had been dreaming about it. I had to get it. I ran out of the house in my slippers. I found it. I was back home in a flash. Pen at the ready I opened the page and, wham, threw myself into it.

That was it. My first fix. I can no longer eat, drink or sleep. I don’t sit down for meals with my family any more. I haven’t been out to the cinema, theatre or to meet friends in months. I no longer have a life.

Nobody wants to know so I’ve set up a national helpline for sufferers like myself.

Hello, my name is Kati and I am completely addicted to Sodoku.