I Couldn't Even Get A Smile (Short Story)

Branden Lancaster thought his life was over, considering the beatings from his homophobic and non-sober father, the malnutrition he had been slowly obtaining, his sexuality, and a lack of a love life.

Branden was being mistreated so much, that even he believed that he should despise himself, and so he did. He began to induce self-harm, almost every night, and was on a constant verge of suicide.

But then he saw a ray of light. A ray of hope. And it's name was Zach.