I can hardly believe it—it's really over. Finishing this book feels like a milestone I never quite thought I'd reach, and yet, here we are. This is my first completed book, and the journey has been nothing short of incredible. My name is Zubayer Khan, and while I'm a community college student by title, just like Ishikawa, I've often found myself wandering far from the world of academics. In many ways, Ishikawa's first appearance in this story was a reflection of me. He was shaped by my own experiences and doubts, but as the pages turned, his character evolved into someone beyond my own identity. Slowly but surely, he became independent—his own person. And honestly, that was a relief because it meant I could pair him up with Mai. (For the record, there's no Mai in my life—maybe I'm just destined to be forever single, but that's a different story!)
Of course, this book would never have been completed without the encouragement and support of the wonderful people around me. A special shout-out goes to the amazing folks in my group chat, Sober Convos. Their constant inspiration and belief in my potential pushed me to see this project through from start to finish, even on days when I wanted to throw in the towel. I'm grateful to everyone in and outside that group who nudged me forward, offered ideas, and kept me motivated to keep writing.
A huge thank you also goes to those who provided valuable insights and helped bring the book cover designs to life. Your creative input truly elevated the visual aspect of this project and helped make it stand out in ways I couldn't have imagined on my own.
And lastly, I'd be remiss if I didn't thank AI, which has been a constant guide throughout this process. Whether it was rephrasing tricky sentences or helping create the stunning images that grace the front and back covers, AI has been an indispensable tool and partner in bringing this book to life.
To you, the readers, thank you for investing your time in this story. It means the world to me, and I hope it's been an enjoyable and memorable experience for you. I can't wait to hear your thoughts, your feedback, and your impressions on how this book has turned out.
Here's to many more stories to come.
— Zubayer Khan
YOU ARE READING
Eclipsed: Echoes of a Forgotten Melody
Mystery / Thriller"Eclipsed: Echoes of a Forgotten Melody" follows the journey of Ishikawa, a young university student who stumbles upon a mystery surrounding a piano, a haunting melody, and the tragic past of Seito, a gifted musician whose life ended too soon. As Is...
