It all started when the gahmen increase the tobacco tax again. One pack of Marlboro now? Price can buy one whole chicken rice set with extra meat and iced milo. But my body cannot, leh. Every time I stress, my hand automatically go for the lighter.
Last time, I still can use cash. Now? Every time I go Cheers or 7-Eleven, I look at the price display, I heart pain. One day, my wallet really no more blue notes, only coins. I was shivering like mad, craving so bad I almost want to smoke the dried leaves at the void deck.
So I no choice, lor. I pull out my DBS Altitude card. I tell the auntie, “Auntie, one pack. PayWave.”
The auntie look at me with that ‘this boy no hope already’ face. I just look away.
The statement come. $800. I was like, “Siao liao! I eat gold meh?” Then I remember—the late-night drinks, the “one for one” deals that were actually just expensive, and of course, my daily “subscription” to lung cancer.
Because I cannot pay the full amount, the interest start crawling up like cockroaches. 26% per annum, brother! My $20 cigarettes now become $25 because of the bank interest. I’m literally paying the bank just to breathe smoke.
Now, my friends ask me go out, I say, “Sorry bro, I busy.” Actually, I’m not busy. I’m just sitting at home, staring at my credit card, wondering if I should quit smoking or just quit life. Every time I puff, I don’t see smoke—I see my credit score flying away into the sky.
True story, man. If this goes on, I think next time I go 7-Eleven, I have to ask the auntie if can pay by installment. 24-month 0% interest for one pack of lights. Can or not?