d e a r   f r i e n d ,

I am truly grateful that you have taken the decision to take a peek at my story and I wish that you enjoy reading.

I hope I don't scare you off but it is extremely important that this is put forth loud and clear before any of the story takes place.

It is important to realise that what you read in this story; the plot, the events, its characters: they are fiction.

But although it is fiction, this story is indeed inspired by true occurences in our society today.

This story touches on the idea of mental illness, more so specifically depression.

I do not wish to romanticise this concept and I hope I do not offend anyone in any way.

All that aside, it is important to understand such themes and to know about the reality and realness of depression.

Depression isn't made up. It's real.

There are people in society who go through such things in their own daily lives and are touched by mental illness in some way or another.

It may be that kid that sits several desks away in your maths class, or that chirpy next door neighbour from across the street, or that lady you come across at the supermarket every Thursday, or even that close friend who seems to be doing perfectly fine with their life when really... they're not.

It may even be you, reading this right now.

So please do reach out to those who need that support. And please please don't be scared to seek help and support when you need it. You should never be fearful to ask. Always ask.

I cannot stress to you this enough.

YOU. ARE. NEVER. EVER. ALONE.

I promise you, no matter where you are and who you are, they will always be someone that really does care.

I care.

I care a lot.

So please remember, there will always be someone ready to take your hand, someone to help you carry the load, someone to be your backup support and perhaps even someone that will ultimately save you. I am also a firm believer that with just the right amount of faith and support, you can even come to save yourself.

And always, always remember,

You are worth so much, so much more than you will ever know.

Yours Truly,

Therese