A happy text message

Ahmed is almost always cheerful in the company of other people. Viola decides to adjust her plan accordingly. She plans to contact him every day during the rehab process, for motivation. In addition, she develops the happy-face scheme. It is a kind of monthly calendar, except that there are three dots under each day. That's two eyes and a nose. On the days that Ahmed has smoked, he draws a sad mouth under it. On the other days, he turns the dots into a happy smile. “I have four happy dolls on the calendar!” texts Ahmed in the first week. A promising start.
“Wow, it's going well!” sends Viola back. “Not used for four days, how special!” The weekends are the heaviest. Being home alone, without the structure of the daytime activities, brings temptations with it. Sometimes Ahmed admits to that.

A month without drugs

Then it's time. Ahmed has not used for a month. That hasn't happened for decades. Reason enough to be very proud! Viola manages to get hold of the 31 happy dolls and has the calendar month framed. Ahmed receives the artwork as a gift during a party in the park, organized especially for him by Viola and her colleagues. A year later, Ahmed is still clean during the week. Sometimes he smokes on the weekend. The photo frame in the living room recalls a special
month.