PREFACE
AUTHOR'S NOTE.
Hey everyone—and welcome to the fully revised, restructured version of Afterlife. Not to get too personal or sentimental, but I started this project in January of 2024 after a painful breakup with my fiancé that led me to some dark places, but this project is the one that has pulled me out of it the most. My mental children keep me grounded in hard times and Elara said she was ready to be the main character, which I'm sure she now regrets.
Anyway, the original draft is still up (for now) under the same title, but this is the one I'd recommend reading. I might archive the first draft later to avoid confusion, but if you want to see where the story started, it's there. Just... lower your expectations accordingly.
This version is more polished, with expanded chapters and cleaner pacing—giving each moment the room to breathe (or break you). The core plot remains the same, but Elara's voice is sharper, more cynical, and honestly more emotionally wrecked than even I intended, which I didn't even know was possible but here we are.
Please keep in mind the story is still the same in terms of dark themes, so brace yourself if you go forward with it. Depression, anxiety, death, suicide, and other topics are heavy elements in it. Please always remember your limits and put yourself first. If it becomes too much to handle I completely understand. They will be covered with care but everyone reflects differently. You matter and you are loved more than you know, and part of writing this was to hopefully reach others who have felt the way I have and to know you aren't alone.
Thanks for giving her another chance to spiral properly. Hope you enjoy the descent.
DEDICATIONS.
Dedicated to my family, who I love with my whole being. And truthfully, to anyone who finds something worthwhile in these pages. You are the reason I write.
ESTABLISHED.
Second draft started: April 29, 2025.
