The Business of Forgetting

He was in the business of nepenthe. The Greeks wrote of a mythical elixir to make you forget all your sorrows, and people's desire for such a thing was no different today than it was all those centuries ago. Perhaps if anything people wanted it more; these modern times were tough on everyone, from the lowliest workhouse pauper to the Dukes and Lords of London. And they paid handsomely for anything that could help them forget, even if it was only temporary. His establishment had an excellent reputation; he took care of his customers, providing the most comfortable beds and the finest opium direct from the orient. He had handpicked his ladies himself, and they never picked pockets or gossiped about the gentlemen who sought their comfort. His customers were in safe hands in his parlour, and oh how they flocked to him, practically showering him in coins as they ran to the pipe. They craved forgetting, and he was only too glad to provide it.