Sam was an extraordinary student in academics.
But, there was one thing he couldn't keep up with ---- the expectations on him.
He didn't want to disappoint anyone. He wanted others to be happy.
He was doing well in his studies even through these situations, but his defenses broke down when his parents decided to supervise them. He started doing less well in internal tests by the school, was feeling tired all the time, started losing sleep, and slowly started losing interest in what he was being taught.
He tried telling his parents, but that effort was in vain since they refused to pay attention to it, though they listened to his complaint.
He was always depressed, thinking about the time he would become what he thought he should become.
He would constantly be lost in his thoughts, his fantasies, which depicted him leading a life which he chose for himself, without caring for others' thoughts.
It was a few weeks before a big exam, and big it was. Students from all over the country would be writing it. His peers and elders were pressuring him to study harder, telling him that his future depended on him, again and again.
Then, the third week started with a huge explosion. His parents reiterated those foreboding words, words and he finally snapped. They still didn't listen. He then yelled at them to stop. They were shocked, for their golden child had never lost his cool. He then stormed off and locked himself in his room. Though his parents begged, he didn't come out.
After a few days, they got worried. They called a locksmith and made him open the door. All they found was a dead body.
What he didn't know was that he had someone who knew everything and cared for him.
Ella is falling apart trying to live a "perfect" high school life. Then she meets Ren, who can see past her scars. Suddenly perfection isn't her only option.
*****
Ella Volkov is a gifted music student, but she's depressed and starting to crack under the pressure of high school. Her overbearing father won't even let her choose what instrument she plays. Then she finds herself alone at a party with Ren, her best friend's crush. She'd always thought he was rude, but after that night he's all Ella can think about. Now she's trapped. If Ella dates Ren, it will ruin her friendship with Jenny. But if she stays true to Jenny, she's losing the one person who can see past her scars. It's up to Ella to decide if she will forge her own path, or stay in the "perfect" box designed for her...
Content and/or Trigger Warning: depression, anxiety, self-harm, violence, sexual assault.
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