So I've managed to finish another story. Shit I think I have way too much time on my hands. In this book I feel like I've tackled some major issues that I hold close to my heart. Homelessness. LBGT+ rights. Speech and language disorders. 

This book means a lot to me because I can relate to Ileana. When I was younger, I had a speech and language disorder. I couldn't speak, and I couldn't understand what other people were saying. I'm honestly overcome with pride for my parents putting up with me and actually learning macaton (it's similar to sign language but not?) to talk to me. I don't remember not being able to speak (I don't shut up now so my parents are probably thinking oh shit) but it actually still affects me today. I often find that I can't think of a word, like its on the edge of my tongue but I don't know what the word is. And I don't mean I couldn't think of another adjective, I mean that I sometimes can't remember what an object is. Everyone around me is used to it, since I describe it until someone figures it out.

I was told that I would never ride a bike. That I wouldn't be in the top sets at school. They said that I would never be able to talk. 

I learned how to ride a bike at 8. I'm was in the top sets at high school, now getting an average of an A at college. And I'm talking so much people can't get me to shut up. 

So if you are suffering from a speech and language disorder, or you can't talk, know that what people say doesn't dictate what you can and can't do. Actually, if they say you can't do something, try your god damned hardest to prove them wrong.  

I managed to speak at 3. That means I went 3 years being unheard, and even though I can't remember the frustration it caused me my parents tell me about how annoyed I used to get. I can only imagine the exhaustion it must cause, not being able to tell people what's on your mind or what you need. 

And if you're someone who feels as though they don't fit in their own body, that your gender isn't what your body labels you to be, don't be afraid. I honestly can't tell you how it feels, because I'm not transgender myself, but I know someone who is. He's such a sweetie, and when he told me he actually said 'would you still be my friend if I told you I was trans.' That in itself drove me to create a trans character. Even though it's an important issue, I didn't want it to be one of the main plots in the story because to me, it's natural, and I also wanted to show that someone trans is normal and like you and me. So please, if you're worried about coming out PM me, or another amazing account working towards LGBT+ rights @ricopride and hopefully we can help. 

Homelessness is something that plays a huge part in this story. I feel as though the issue isn't explored enough, and people need to be made aware that it's not just drug addicts or alcoholics sleeping on the streets. These are people, and they deserve to be treated as humans. I tried to make it as realistic as possible but it's still miles out from what the actual experience is, and I hope that none of you have to experience it. 

Finally, I want to thank you all. To every reader, voter, and to the people who comment, thank you. To the new readers, the old ones and to the ancients (aka the ones who read my cringey as hell TWD fanfics and for some reason enjoyed them ??) I can't tell you how much I appreciate you.  Seeing that people are choosing this story is amazing enough, and I can't explain in words the euphoria I feel when I get another reader. 

You're all amazing and don't forget that. 

-thirdwheelchurchill