Pull The Trigger

“It felt almost—depressing, having one person dictate all I was feeling. Though it was one I’ve always had, and one I couldn’t resist. Like a moth to a flame. Everyone knows it’ll harm the moth, but the moth, simply, does not care.”

In a small town, we follow the lives of two individuals. Steven, raised by an authoritarian father, and a timid mother. While James is raised with a neglectful mother and an absent father.

They trek down the halls of fragmented memories of their past friendship that was ripped away from them alongside the security they used to give each other. Navigating their voyage of feelings on if they want something more or if they just crave nostalgic comfort while dealing with the turmoils of home?

They venture through shattered dreams of what could’ve been, constantly haunting them—all while pushing each other away out of fear.

Will they be able to rekindle what has been lost, or will it forever be a downward spiral of heartbreak and betrayal of oneself and others?

A testament of resilience that binds us all and makes us human. That even in our darkest moments, the essence of who we are lies in our struggles and our hopes. Humanity isn’t meant to be viewed in black or white. Rather an array of reflective shades—some buried deeper than one wants to realize.

•Content Warnings for the themes of this story•

None of this is meant to be glorified. Themes such as self-harm, underage substance abuse, homophobia, physical and sexual abuse are present (of a minor)in this story, alongside other things that may be considered traumatic, such as body image issues and taking action towards it. Please keep in mind this is a life story! •