My breathing begins to slow. The tension in my muscles starts to relax. Then, a click in the headphones. A slow breath of air. I open my eyes to bright moonlight. And Hannah, with warmth. Thank you.

Every reader is different. There's no book that's inappropriate for every person, but there are people who cannot handle everything.

How many times had I let myself connect with someone only to have it thrown back in my face?

I can't. You can't rewrite the past.

A lot of authors see their book being banned or challenged as a badge of honor. But for me, it's nothing but frustrating and upsetting. I hear from readers that my work encouraged them to ask for help or reach out to someone about the situation they're in. When you hear stories like that on a daily basis and then hear adults call for your work to be banned, it's proof of why the stigma around these issues is so dangerous.

If I had a chance with him, I missed it. No, I didn't miss it. I threw it away.

Will I ever get control of my life? Will I always be shoved back and pushed around by those I trust?