Description
"When something terrible happens to someone, everyone feels sorry for you at first, they take your hand and cry fake tears and say how 'special' you are, how strong you are. But after a while they forget...Then they don't see a person anymore they just see this terrible thing and think you're terrible because of it...It's like a little switch that goes off in people's heads: one minute everyone is your friend and they care oh-so much, then, when things die down, they become terrified of you. You'd be surprised to see what fear can make someone do." Justin Ivanov has never led much of a normal life, but when his sister passes away, his entire world falls apart. Trapped in an abusive relationship and in a school where everyone is scared of him, Justin continues to deteriorate, pinning all his hope on his confused best friend, Ben Fulton. He struggles to keep his family together without them finding out the hidden secret of his sexuality. But the more he fails, the closer he gets to losing himself forever. Ben Fulton doesn't understand what depression is. He doesn't understand why people have it or how to fix it. But when the sudden death of his best friend's sister leaves him feeling empty, he comes too close to comfort with just what depression can make someone do. Trying to sort out his own emotions, sexuality, and future out, Ben also has to balance trying to save Justin. But the more he tries, the more his feelings grow for his best friend, and the closer Justin gets to destroying himself.
Prologue
