He just wanted a family. Eventually, at least, since he's still in college. But nothing in life is fair, and after mistakenly hooking up with Anita at a party, he might never have the normal life he dreamed of. There's a part of this world lurking under the surface. It's dark. And angry. And hungry. And it's sunk its claws into Nikolai. Come on you hermit, you never fight back Why don't you play with bows and arrows? Why don't you dance like You're sick in your mind? Why don't you set your wings on fire? Come on you hermit, why don't you play nice? Why don't you toy with sex and violence? Why don't you stare back Into my huge eye? Why don't you set my wings on fire? -Glass Animals Trigger Warning: This story contains themes of violence, assault, blood, and disturbing imagery. If any of that sounds upsetting to you, p lease take care of your mental health and we'll see you in another story.

He didn't lie. He just never got around to telling the truth. When TK moves abroad for university, he leaves behind his family his friends -- and a version of himself that never quite felt real. With new freedom and friendships, he begins to let his guard down. For the first time, being himself feels effortless. But back home, his long-distance girlfriend still believes in the never faltering perfect version of him. As jealousy simmers, distance stretches thin, and a global crisis begins to close in, TK is forced to confront something that he has spent months avoiding. Or maybe even years. Sometimes the sacrifice we think is noble is fear dressed up as selflessness. A poetic, character-driven story about emotional maturity, guilt and the quiet cost of growing up.