Paisley Roux. She wasn't the type of girl your parents warned you about; she was the type of girl your parents forgot to warn you about. Exclude smoking, drinking, and partying-the typical things you do to be branded as a bad girl. Paisley was far more dangerous than that. She could hurt you with her own broken pieces. She was the embers of fire, the edge of a blade, and the devil's laughter. Paisley's achievements: #2 in BreakingStereotypes #53 in Short Story #1 in Words Hurt (05-19) #73 in short story (05-19)

Have you ever felt like you've always been emotionally detached from the world or the people around you, and at some point in your life, you actually liked it? Kierra Ravine had always been the meticulous, cynical, and unaffected type. Raised from a tough childhood (nothing serious, really), Kierra had learned to tough things out in order for her to cope with the emotional luggage her family always seemed to carry. She noted, that letting things get to her would only result to her being an emotional, irrational wreck. It always seemed to blur all reason for people, and she hated those who stepped on others just because of their so called emotions. But the real issue lies when Kierra had begun to feel worn out by always preserving herself. Always guarded, never really letting anyone in, and keeping up appearances. No one really knew who the actual Kierra Ravine was. Heck, even she didn't know. She'd been so used to accommodating her personality to every people she interact with. For every individual, there was a different Kierra. How convenient for them. But watch, how she slowly had learned to make a conscious effort of breaking out of her high tower, and face head on what she feared the most: emotions. - Note: this is a story about self-growth, reflection, traumas, and may not be suitable for everyone. If you're looking for a perfect heroine and can't stand characters that are really really stubborn, then you can proceed to a different book. This story would as much as possible try to portray individuals who have been continuously hurt that they have already hardened too much from all their experiences. This also features very raw self-deprecating thoughts that may be uncomfortable for some. Read at your own risk.