I wrote a short story for a charity anthology earlier this year. Each poem or short story was based around a song title, with the majority being based around 90s Britpop. I chose There She Goes by The Las.
I originally wrote this story after watching the Netflix series 13 Reasons Why as some kind of ‘alternative’. I loved the show, especially the way the makers didn’t shy away from showing the horrific things Hannah went through. To me, that was the overall message of the show (and the book it’s based upon). One little thing may seem insignificant, but when it’s coupled together with a handful of other insignificant events and then followed by something extremely traumatic, some people can’t see a way out. Like Hannah, far too many teenagers (and other people) think that suicide is the only way to make their own personal hell go away.
In this story, I wanted to show that yes, there is another way. It may seem just as drastic, but it’s not as permanent.
As mentioned in the author note in the beginning, I’m a mother, and the idea of bullying getting so bad that my child is unable to see a way out scares the life out of me. I’m scared of being like Hannah’s parents, and being too busy to notice something was wrong, or being told everything is ‘fine’ when I do ask.
It’s not easy to be the one person to against the flock, to stand up for someone others have deemed unworthy of positive attention; but it is so important to try and be that person to the best of your ability. Extend a hand of friendship, you may save someone’s life.
As the story was part of a charity anthology that is no longer on sale, I uhmed and ahhed over what to do with it. I decided that I wouldn’t have felt right charging for it and make money on something that was written to help others, so I have decided to post it on Wattpad. I shall be updating weekly with a new chapter.
If you have the time to take a look, the prologue is now live. I would love to hear your thoughts.
Read it for FREE HERE!
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