A past she ignores. A present she despises. A future she's unsure about. She does know that it involves a death, though, and it's a death she's been looking forward to. ✦✦ Tragedies are something Gracelyn is accustomed to. Despite their endless lashes, they never succeeded in breaking her completely. Why? Because she had him. Then, the final tragedy strikes, and just like that, he's gone. Three years older and a new person, Gracelyn discovers new information and a shocking connection between the tragic death and herself. Imbedded too deep inside the cold mystery, she decides to return and investigate further, hoping for the possibility of revenge. However, avenging her brother's murder was a task easier said than done. Being forced to move back to her tragedy-tainted hometown was stressful enough as it was. When she uncovers secrets and past misdeeds that were best left untouched, Gracelyn realizes her brother might not be as innocent as she once believed. ✦✦ • extended summary inside • • this is the original version aka the worst version • • cover by @misscaulfield • • if you are sensitive to rape, abuse, or anything along these lines, read at your own risk • • check out the new rewritten version of this book on my profile titled "Desolation" •

WATTPAD ORIGINAL EDITION Adrift after a failed suicide attempt, golden boy Everest can't find anything worth living for - until he meets Beverly, a loner determined to prove him wrong. ***** For a boy who seemed to have it all - wealth, good looks, popularity, a wide circle of friends - Everest Finley becomes the ultimate social outcast after failing to take his own life. Dejected and alone, he starts his last year of high school by acting out, determined to ruin his golden boy reputation after his best friend and girlfriend both turn on him. But to his surprise, resident loner Beverly Davis reaches out and tries to befriend him. Ever the optimistic, her empathy and persistence eventually convinces him to spend time with her, and the two slowly bond over their complicated family lives and a love of singing. But even as their budding friendship begins to hint at something more, Everest continues to struggle with depression and unhappiness. Can a simple pact between the two truly encourage him to find something worth living for? Content and/or Trigger Warning: this story contains mentions and descriptions of depression and self harm. -SKY