Piper is sitting by the window in the back room of No.22.
PIPER: Hey, guys. As you guys know, a few weeks ago I was in an accident, I was hit by a car. And...now we have a conclusion, and we know who was driving, and we know that the person was drunk.
She makes a face.
PIPER: I almost died because someone was drink driving. And that's not me being dramatic, because that's what really happened.
Caption: PIPE UP
PIPER: It just makes no sense to me. Like, it's 2017, there are cops *everywhere*. No- one should assume that they're the exception. You should never *ever* get behind the wheel drunk assuming that you're not going to get pulled over. Why would you ever think it'd be OK?
She puts on a strong Aussie accent.
PIPER: Oh, yeah, no...I'm too drunk to get into a cab...I'll just drive.
She looks back at the camera.
PIPER: No! Don't do that! It's 2017, there are apps, call a friend, walk home, because if you had walked then maybe I'd be able to walk.
She looks disparaging.
PIPER: I know I'm being harsh, but, like, it's the truth. It's just...it's really hard because it's someone that I know. They had a lot of respect in the community...well, they *had* a lot of respect in the community, past tense.
She shrugs.
PIPER: I guess it just goes to show that alcohol can make you do crazy things. And I'm not sitting here being, like, don't drink! I'm not advocating sobriety, I'm just...yeah drink, but just, in moderation, you know? Be responsible. And I know it's not that easy, I know it's hard to have one or two drinks...and I get that, it's like, a vice for some people, but...God! I just don't get why you'd let it get that bad.
She looks belligerent.
PIPER: Like, there are programmes...there is endless amount of support. I think, if you want something bad enough, you can make that decision and you can change your life around. I've seen it first- hand. My mum struggled...she changed her life and she's recovered. People need to realise, you're in control, you make the shot. I see it *all* the time living at the Backpackers. Nineteen, twenty year olds travelling for the first time on their own...wanting to experience life to the fullest. But what they experienced was chronic severe hangovers and vomiting in sinks. They sign up for this unforgettable trip but what they got was a forgettable trip, because they were drunk the entire time.
She looks disparaging.
PIPER: Go to the zoo! That's fun. It's just *so* frustrating when people don't take responsibility for their actions. You can't blame another person because there's not another person, it's you! Take responsibility for that, take responsibility for...OK, yeah, maybe I do have a problem, maybe I do have a drinking problem.
She looks even more disparaging.
PIPER: I mean, at least she owned up...eventually. And apologised. 'Sorry I nearly killed you'. How many times do you hear that in your life?
She sighs.
PIPER: Yeah, maybe I should just forgive and forget. And move on. Because, you know, it's in the fast, you know, it's done, it happened. I can't change what happened. But...that's easier said that done. Because I'm constantly reminded about what happened. Every day, I look down and...I've got months of rehab ahead of me. I can't go to school at the moment, I'm in Year 12, this is the really crucial time for me and...
She starts to get tearful.
PIPER: ...I'm terrified about failing. This could...potentially...really mess up my life. So yeah, easy to say...forgive and forget, but it's not that easy. Not that easy.
