0 Days
Hey Bitch,
I know you aren’t going to bother to read this anyways. Probably too busy trying to get Mr. Fairfield to notice you. In the upper classes teachers aren’t even allowed to read them, so I don’t get why you’d read mine. Anyways if you are reading this, yes, I am capable of writing. I don’t know why this stupid school still makes people do these journals. I’m 15, how can you think I made it through life till now and still don’t know how to write. Well, anyways I can, so you can put a check mark by my name for this first one.
Damian
Hi Future Me,
I don’t know when I’ll end up reading these back in the future, but you better still be able to do 50 push ups. It’s taken me months to get this good at them, you better not waste that, even if you’re fat and old (you better not be fat and old either). Anyways, even though this is just a school assignment my Dad showed me his from when he was in school, and it was actually kinda cool. Anyways, life right now is pretty good. Just started working at the shop with Dad. It’s a better job than most of my friends, even if it is just doing paperwork and other boring stuff. One day I’m hoping he’ll let me help out rebuilding some of the engines. Some times he takes me out on
joyridesrides to make sure the engine’s are working.Dad’s letter seemed much better put together than this one, not sure what else is interesting. I mostly hang around with Damian, Leister, Faren, and Lazar these days. The best guys I’ve ever known, they’ve got my back, and I’ve always got theirs. We’re probably going to head up to the hill to “hang out” for the night again. I still feel dehydrated from last time honestly, but we’ll power through it. We dared Damian to drink from the fountain, and he claims he did it. I think he just took a piss in the forest and came back, there’s no way he made it past the guard. Story seems about as real as Lazar telling us he hooked up with Julie and Maeryn at Hammond’s party last week. It’s real convenient all of his crazy stories happen when none of us are around.
The end of year awards are next week, I’m sure Leister or Faren probably won one of the nerd trophies. Sometimes it pisses me off how easy they find school. I gotta keep staying back all the time just to pass, and they can wake up hungover, show up late, and ace all their tests. Man if I was half as smart as they are I would’ve done way more with my life than they have by now. Both of them are way too lazy, my parents would never let me get like that. Mom would pop out of her grave and beat my ass just for waking up late. Anyways, I might get the Athletics award for winning the cities track and field meet. I only won by 3 points cause I beat the black hair guy at high jump, but a wins a win. I’m going to ask Winnie to come with me. I’ve been trying to get her to notice me for the last few months, and I think she’s into me. I hope so at least.
Tahr’Ren
Hello Me,
Good to see you, looking handsome as ever. In case you forgot, this letter/diary is an assignment from Mrs. Reenauld’s class. Writing a letter to ourselves in the future about our life, and future plans. Even if this is just for a stupid health class, it’s nice to have a break to get my thoughts down. First, the here and now. Hopefully you’re still friends with Damian, Tahr’Ren, Faren, and Lazar. Apparently Damian will still be 15 since he claims to have drank from the fountain. He would be the one person stupid enough to do it despite the warnings, but luckily he’s not actually that dumb, just wanted to cheat at truth or dare to make Lazar drink. All of them are awesome in their own ways, loyal, smart, principled, all words that don’t match any of them, but I still love them. We went up to the pines to camp a few months back, and lying under the stars far too drunk to stand up, was one of the best memories I’ll get to cherish. I just wish I didn’t have to keep splitting my time between them, Laurine and work. Honestly though, she’s always busy with other stuff anyways. One day we’ll have schedules that work out better than seeing each other twice a week.
Speaking of looking ahead, guess I should get on to the second half of this assignment. Though, Mrs. Reenauld isn’t even supposed to actually read this, so I could just put nonsense for the rest of this and pad out the remaining word length. Tempting. In reality, I’m excited for the future. I haven’t decided fully on which degree path to take yet, but I have a few ideas. More importantly is Laurine. We might be young, but I know I’m going to marry her. She’s the best thing to happen to me, and these last few months have been surreal. My parents keep telling me I’m young, and to be careful about getting too attached to a girl I just met, but I know she’s the one. Every time I’m around her I wanna be better, just to earn the time I take up with her. She’s just so perfect, and if future me is reading this you better have married her. I can’t wait to see what the next few years with her hold.
Until next time, Leister
Hello,
It’s wonderful to think that I am reading this in my future. By now I may be out on my own in the world, and experiencing what it has to offer. I wonder how my family is doing, how my brothers and sister are fairing in the world. I know that we will all do well. I wonder how my friends will be doing. I am sure they have all succeeded as much as I will have. Perhaps even Damian has managed to grow up, and will move on to great things.
Perhaps by the time you are reading this, I have completed my parents lifelong dream of me becoming a doctor. I have been quite diligent about my studies in order to achieve this, and hopefully this continues through my degree. Father has told me that I will be the one to bring our families legacy to it’s potential. The weight of their wishes is significant, but I believe I can handle it!
Sincerely Yours, Faren
Dear Diary,
What a crazy week! At Hammond’s party I made out with Julie and Maeryn. 2 women kissed me! 2 Hot women kissed me! Then last night we all went out to the hill and got hammered, and Damian drank from the fountain! He’s crazy, I can’t believe he did it, even with all the warnings. I don’t know if I should tell a teacher or not. They make all the fountain drinkers live in the next town over, but to me that seems harsh. They’re never allowed to even leave, and I definitely don’t want Damian to get stuck there. He’s such a nice guy, so are all my buddies. I think it will be fine. I don’t buy the whole live forever at the same age thing. It’s probably just some water treatment plant thing. I hope it’s not actually water with some transmittable parasite though. Maybe I’ll wait another month, and if Damian seems fine, then great, if not maybe I’ll at least tell mom and dad. I don’t want him to get hurt.
Anyways, we’re going back to the hill tomorrow so I’m probably going to head to bed early since I won’t get much sleep tomorrow, and Meg’s basketball game is in a few days. Grandma’s flying in to see us both and watch her play. I can’t believe how big she’s getting these days. She’s almost my height already, so much for being a big brother.
See you next week! Lazar
Day 30
Lazar R. Morris, age 15, passed away on the road after an accident. Lazar was pronounced dead on arrival when the authorities arrived. He was killed after running out into the street for an unknown reason. Lazar was well loved by many in the community, and was a staple of every group he was a part of. He always was willing to put time aside to spend with those he loved, whether it was watching his sister Meg’s basketball games, or spending his weekends volunteering at the Jump-Start program. Lazar was often enjoying nature, spending countless nights with his many friends camping under the stars. His bright personality shone on many people, and to anyone who’s life was touched by Lazar, you are invited Four Days from now, at mid day to the ORIOEN FUNERAL HOME to reminisce, grieve, and console the others who were lucky enough to have known Lazar.
- Creston Township Obituaries, The Creston Times
Hello Ma’am,
I’m really sorry for the last letter, I definitely thought you wouldn’t read it. I realize after our conversation with headmaster Yun that what I wrote was hurtful, and that you’re only trying to help me. You asked me to write about my life, but the truth is that right now I’m trying not to think about it. It’s been a rough week, so I haven’t been up to much. I’m going to Lazar’s funeral this week, and maybe a concert. I know you also wanted me to write about my feelings, and hobbies, but I don’t think I can right now. Maybe next time.
Damian
Hi,
I can’t believe Lazar is gone. He was there one minute, and gone the next. I don’t know what to do. Julie is inconsolable, she thinks it’s her fault she hit him. Damian told us not to tell other people, but I think I have to tell her. We were all a bit drunk, and Damian bet Lazar he couldn’t do a backflip off the half-height wall near the flower shop. Lazar actually did it, but as he landed he lost his balance, and stumbled backwards between two parked cars into the road. There’s no way she could have seen him coming, there’s no way she could have stopped. Damian told us all to run so we didn’t get in trouble, and we did, she was so preoccupied I don’t think she even saw us. I have to tell her, I have to tell someone. She doesn’t deserve this, she doesn’t deserve to live thinking it was her fault for not noticing him. She told the cops she looked down at the radio for a second, and then he was right in front of her. They want to charge her for distracted driving, and it’s not her fault.
But if I come forward, I don’t know what happens to everyone else. We were all drunk that night, and I would need to tell them that for everything to make sense. Can we be charged for being drunk? I don’t actually know. My dad will know, I should tell him. I just hope he can still look me in the eye after I ran. Why, why did I run, I know better. Lazar was one of the best people I know, and we left him to die alone in the fucking street. If he survived the first hit, then all he saw was all his friends abandoning him, and that’s the last memory he’ll ever have. I have to tell someone.
Tahr’Ren
Hey,
This is a really hard entry to write. Lazar just died. I’ve been so empty since it happened, it feels like I’m watching a movie through my eyes instead of living it. Laurine knows something is up, and so do my parents. Damian said run, and we all just followed. We should have stayed, Julie was all alone with him. I can’t imagine how she feels right now. I took the day off school, I just couldn’t handle it. I don’t really know what to do.
Leister
Hello
I can’t believe it, Damian has ruined my life. That burnout fucking moron might have cost us all our futures. He got Lazar killed, and if anyone finds out we were there we might be expelled. I have worked my whole life for my future, just to have it taken away by an idiot who can’t spell words beyond two syllables. I’m supposed to do something with my life, no university will want the guy known for watching his friend die.
Faren
4 Months
Hey,
Nearly free now, less than 2 months left until I never have to come here again. I have to say, as much as I hated being here, there were some good moments to. A girlfriend I love, good friends, I’m doing really well honestly. A lot better than I was expecting at least. Wouldn’t go so far as saying I’ll miss being here, but at least the memories will be with me for a bit. My band is playing the graduation ceremony, we’re going to kill it, and people will definitely remember me for that. It’s been a few months since me and Maeryn got together, and she’s my soulmate. She’s got it all, passion, she loves the music I make, and the art I draw. She’s so supportive, and she helps me through everything. Now I just can’t wait to be free of here.
Damian
Hey,
I can’t believe it, I’m almost done high school. I applied to a bunch of universities and I’m just waiting to hear back. I think I want to do a degree in bioengineering, Memoizer’s have always been fascinating to me, and I think I have a real shot at helping people if I go that route. I guess it’s been a while since I last wrote, it’s been a turbulent few months.
I told my parents and Laurine, I just couldn’t keep hiding it. My parents were pissed that I had been drinking, but in all honesty I think they were just scared something like this would happen to me next. Laurine has been the most incredible girlfriend. She managed to convince me to go to one of the councilors and talk to them, and surprisingly it really helped. I always thought Mrs. Darine was a bit dumb when I heard her talk, but after a few sessions I think she really gets everything, and has really helped me. Unfortunately not everything is good news. After I told everyone else, I wanted to tell Julie about what happened with Lazar, but it was too late. She skipped town, and no one’s heard from her since. I hope she’s alright, and if I get the chance to, one day I will tell her what happened and live with whatever consequences there are.
Owning up to everything was the right choice, and it’s the least I could do in Lazar’s memory. There was a funeral for him, Faren didn’t go, neither did Damian. I’m conflicted. I get this is hard on everyone, but I think its fucked up they didn’t pay their respects, if nothing just for his parents. Tahr’Ren was pissed, he punched one of the dumpsters out back, and I swear he broke his hand. I think he blames Damian, and honestly I think I do a little bit to. He treated Lazar more like a puppy than a friend, and I think he took advantage of him a lot. But I don’t think any of our hands are any cleaner than his. We could have spoken up, and none of us did until it was too late. For that, I’m truly sorry Lazar. I won’t stay silent in times like these ever again going forward.
I have a few parties to go to, and Damian’s band is playing at grad, so that should be fun. I think I’m finally in a place where I’m ready to look forward in life instead of looking back, and I have a lot to look forward to. I still know I’m going to marry Laurine, and I know we’re going to have a great life together. I love her. I know I will stick by my friends, even when they make mistakes, and we’re going to grow together as well.
Excitedly yours, Leister
Hi,
It’s been a while. I can’t believe it’s been a few months since Lazar died. I feel like just yesterday we were talking to each other in our tents. I told my dad what really happened, and he was a little disappointed, but not angry. He told me it wasn’t my fault, I thought he was going to be so mad, or blame me for what happened, but I guess just me left to convince about that. Leister’s been checking in on me to make sure I’m alright, but honestly, I think he also just needs a friend right now. Speaking of, I can’t believe I ever let myself think I was friends with Damian. Faren and Damian both skipped Lazar’s funeral. I can’t believe how much of an ass Damian is. He got Lazar killed, avoided all responsibility, and left Julie to pick up the pieces of her life. I swear, if I see him alone I’m going to kick his ass.
Anyways, not everything is doom and gloom. I stopped talking to Winnie for a bit, but she reached out after Lazar. It’s been nice to have someone to talk to besides my dad. I always feel like I’m burdening him when I talk to him. Winnie asks how I’m feeling, and really makes me feel like she wants to know about me, I’ve never had that before. We went on a few dates, and hooked up a few times. I got the nerve up to ask her, so Me and her are gonna head to grad together. It’s the end of an era. Once everything is wrapped up with school my dad surprised me by offering me a job as the manager of the shop. I don’t really know what I want to do with my life yet, but I know that being able to make that kind of money now will give me some options. I’m excited to see what comes next, and a blank slate will also be a welcome change.
Thanks for reading, Tahr’Ren
Hello,
It’s nearing the end of the semester. I finally heard back from one of my top 3 schools, they accepted me into their biology program. I am one step closer to achieving my goals, and making my parents proud. I am eager to know what you reading this already do. What will my life look like by the end of the year. What friends will I make? What will become of my current friends? What life lessons will I learn? All of these unknowns are quite exciting. My parents are concerned that with me moving away, I will be too unfocused. They worry I will party too much, and spend too much time with girls. I think I will be able to handle myself. I can’t wait to see what this new life will bring for me!
Eagerly yours, Faren
7 Months
Hi,
Fuck Everyone, I can’t believe it. Life was going so well after grad. Me and Winnie were together, was just starting my new job, and everyone was happy. I even made up with Damian, clearly that was a fucking mistake. The last few months I’ve been paying for everything. I felt like since I made the most money I would do what was nicest for my friends. I work hard, and that affords me the ability to help everyone else. People would often cancel because it “wasn’t in their budget”. Frankly we drank more underage than we do now everyone is not a minor. Then, on top of that, I throw a party to celebrate everyone who’s going off on their own journeys, some to school, others to work, and the rest to travel. I wait till my dad is out of town, and throw a party at my place.
First of all, everyone trashes my place. Shit is broken, stolen, and people drank and ate everything. Then on top of that, Winnie fucked Damian. This spinless wiry fucking degenerate cheated with my girlfriend while dating his “soulmate”. Frankly its more embarrassing for her than anything, the fact she fucked someone that useless is pathetic. I threw everyone out (some literally), and broke up with her right then and there. We were looking for apartments together, and he couldn’t keep it in his fucking pants. I’m so stupid, I couldn’t see this whole time I was just a piggy-bank for these freaks. The moment I don’t have something to give them, they just happily swan off to fuck knows where. I won’t make that mistake again, I cut all of them off, fuck them. I’ll go and find real friends that aren’t leaches and weasels like they were.
Angrily, Tahr’Ren
12 months
Hey Jasaerine,
I’m sorry. I know I made mistakes in our relationship. I know you want me to get a job, but it’s hard with my record and no references. I know you’re disappointed that I slept with Shaeryl, and I’m sorry. I know I can’t take it back, not really. I know I hurt you, but I just can’t let you go like this. These last 3 months have been the best time of my life, and I love you. If you’ll give me the one more chance I don’t deserve, I promise everything will be different. We’ll do more of the picnics in the field out behind your place, spending nights driving out to stargaze, and dancing in the streets after singing at the club.
I love you, and don’t want to lose you, Damian
Hi,
Shekland is beautiful, me and Laurine have been here for the semester so far and it’s so nice. I’ve never seen so many people as I have on campus. Faren is here to, but the guy’s turned into a party animal, not sure my organs can keep up. It’s been hard to leave everyone else behind, I manage to get home every so often, but it’s so expensive to keep doing it. Laurine has a job at the same company she went to work for back home, so she’s covering a lot of our costs. I won’t lie, it feels awful to be dependent on someone, not because I’m worried about her screwing me over, but because I feel like I’m not sure what I bring to the table at this point. In between semesters I’m going to work my ass off to try to help make up for it.
One regret I do have is how things went down with Tah’Ren. He was right, intentional or not, people were definitely using him. When Damian slept with Winnie I thought Tah’Ren was going to kill him. I remember him telling me that he thought Winnie was “the one”. He said she was his Laurine, and talking about moving in together and getting married. He threw Yari out the open window in his living room when he wasn’t getting out of the house fast enough. It was a scary side of him to see. I went and talked to him the day before I left, and I tried my best to salvage what I could, but it’s up to him now. I really hope he reaches out, I gave him my new contact info, and I hope we can piece together something of a friendship down the road.
University has been great so far. My chemistry prof might be a terrorist, but besides that everyone has been great. The courses are kicking my ass though, these are way harder than high school. I used to write my essays and assignments the day before, and never had to study, now I feel like all I do is coursework. I hope it calms down at some point, but I’m here to do something good with my life, and if this much work is what it takes, then I guess I’d better get back to it.
Later, Leister
Hey Me,
It’s been a while. It’s been a hard few months. After I stopped talking to everyone it’s been lonely. I ended up drinking a lot, and falling in with one of the girls from the strip club. My dad helped me pick up some of the pieces, and I’m doing better now. I think that as hard as it was, it’s the right choice. Out of everyone I knew for over a decade, the only one who’s made any attempt to make up is Leister. We’re taking things slow, but patching them up. He’s a good guy at heart, but he needs to stop letting everyone else hold him back, like they held me back.
Damian, I can’t believe him. I’m starting to think he seriously drank from the fountain with how much of a moron he is. After having me break down on him and everyone else, he somehow only took away that I was mad about paying for things. He got himself fired from his job for stealing from the register to try to pay me back “what he owes me”, the dumbass got himself a criminal record for nothing. He just doesn’t seem to understand that it’s not about the money, it’s about the fact they all have used me for the money in the first place. Everything he says is bullshit, there’s a new “soulmate” every week, and there’s no reason
All that is in the past now. I’m just going to be looking forward from here on out. I’ve been doing my electricians apprenticeship, they fast tracked me after I challenged some of the exams for course credits. I think I finally have something I’m good enough at to make something of myself. I’m going to make my dad proud.
Until next time, Tahr’Ren
Hey,
University is awesome. I’m sure you look back on this time as the best time of your life, because even know that’s how I feel about it. Back in high school I used to feel so guilty when I’d party instead of studying like my parents wanted. Those parties were nothing compared to these. They have tons of events, like drinking knights where you drink a bottle, they spin you, and you do an obstacle course. If you win everyone has to finish their drinks in your honor, if you lose, you have to do a sparing match over an ice bath, and whoever loses has to chug a drink. Practically every weekend there’s something crazy, a 100 person house party, impromptu concert, naked night run, drinking knights, and so much more. Last week we combined enough money to get enough alcohol to fill a pool, invited hundreds of people, and had one of the wildest parties Shekland’s ever seen. It’s been crazy, when I go back home every few months I’m the one with the stories now.
Class has been really easy. I can’t believe how right my parents were. No one here knows how to study, I managed to get an A on the first math exam, when half the class failed. It’s like having a super power that lets me party every week without any consequences. Not only that, but a bunch of the girls in the class want a tutor, and I’m happy to get closer to them.
See ya next time, Faren
4 Years Later
Hey,
I found this diary as I was moving, I can’t believe how long it’s been. The program is going well, just started at ExperiMax doing research for developing Memoizer’s. One of the doctors has an interesting theory about using some of the experiences to help correct mental health issues. I think she’s a bit nuts herself, but she may be onto something. Me and Laurine moved further into the city to make it easy to get to work. I feel a lot better about moving somewhere expensive when I can contribute to the rent. Once I’m done this internship, I’m getting a ring. I knew she was the one years ago, and we’ve waited long enough.
Tah’Ren and I have been spending some time together now we’re both in the inner city. It was a bit awkward at first, but it’s getting better. I got a bit more round during my degree, so me and him have been hitting the gym. Well, he’s been hitting the gym, and I’ve been doing1/3 of a workout then passing out in the change room. He invited me out to a dinner this week with a new girl he’s been dating for a bit, so we’re on the right track.
I don’t know much about what’s going on back home. Mom and Dad are doing as well as they can be. The doctors aren’t sure how much damage everything did to Dad yet, so I guess we just have to wait and see. I think he’s going to be fine though, he’s toughed it out through worse before.
Leister
Hey,
For the first time in a while I feel like things are really good. I woke up this morning and realized that for the last 5 months I’ve managed to hit all my health and business goals. Down some weight, improved my bloodwork, and I’m getting all the details finalized for the store. I took some investments from my dad, and a few other people to start my own company doing electrical work. I’ll probably still end up working at my Dad’s shop for a bit while I get business ramped up, but I managed to get a contract re-doing some wiring in the local schools. It’s not a glamorous amount of money, but it’s still good work nonetheless. Once I get the ball rolling I’ll also be able to do some residential work as well, which will be nice. Maybe even start looking into making some appliances to help people save some money, but that will be down the road. Shekland is way more expensive than back home, but there’s also a lot of money to be made here, so I can’t wait to see how it turns out.
On top of all that I have started spending more time with Leister. I felt bad because I started talking to him again a long time ago, then I ghosted him for a few years. I just reached out to properly make amends, and I feel like it’s going well. We’ve been playing some games, and hitting the gym together. He’s definitely not as in shape as he was in high school, but he’s got a fighters spirit for sure. Even if the fight’s a bit pathetic. He’s definitely a good guy though, and him and Laurine deserve each other. He’s doing some fancy research at the memoizer place, he tried to explain it, but I have no idea what any of it means. Wish him luck with it though.
Sometimes I wonder where everyone else ended up, how Lazar would be doing these days. Leister said Faren became a party boy, which is wild to me. The guy was scared to break curfew, and only drank when his parents were out of town is now a party animal. Sometimes I worry about Damian. As time goes on I’m getting more and more worried he was serious about drinking from the fountain. No one can be that much of a fuck up for that long and have that little self awareness. My dad talks to his mom when she comes in and it’s bleak. The guy hasn’t done much of anything with his life, just bounces from girl to girl, job to job, and does bar bets for money.
Happily, Tahr’Ren
Hi,
My life is over. Kaeti is one of the girls in the internship program with me. She came to a party last month, and she’s pregnant. I can’t believe this has happened twice in one year, fuck I’m so unlucky. Sophie made me pay her to get an abortion, but Kaeti is refusing to get one. She told me she loves me, and she knows I would make a great dad. On top of that she’s also blackmailing me with telling my boss, and parents about the drugs, and partying. I’m so fucked, I don’t know what to do. I always wanted kids, but not like this. Kaeti is awesome, but I have so much more I want to do before I settle down.
I just started my position for my internship, and I have so many things I wanted to do in my career. Maybe invent something, or build my own company at some point. All of that is out the window now. I can’t believe she’s doing this to me. She has her own career she’s just starting. She just managed to get a job at a major law firm, and she’s throwing that all away. I wanted to travel after university, go and see the places I’ve heard so much about, sleep with foreign girls. Now I’m going to be stuck in this city, a pariah to my family with her. None of this will matter though, because my parents are going to kill me before it even goes that far. If my mom thinks I’ve been keeping a relationship from her, she’ll kill me in my sleep. If my dad finds out I got her pregnant when I barely knew her, he’ll kill me in my sleep. There’s no world where this goes well for me. Plus the kid, what about the kid. They deserve a better parent than me, I don’t know what the fuck I’m doing in my own life, let alone trying to help them through theirs.
I’m Terrified, Faren
Hi Mom & Dad,
By the time you read this I’ll probably already be in Shekland. I know you guys never liked Damian, but he’s different. He’s not like other guys, he cares about me so much, he writes me poetry, he puts me in his songs, and he helps me with anything I ask for. We managed to get some fake ID’s and we’re going to head to Shekland to become artists. I took the money out of my account already from grad, and I’m going to get a place out there, and show you that I can do it if I take a chance on myself. We’ve both got some connections to producers, and Damian recorded his first album with his band. One day you’ll see this is the right choice, and by the time you do, I’ll be able to come visit as a star.
I love you guys, Harley
7 Years Later
Ayn-Formed By: Ayn Ameri
Fierce, raunchy, and with a boyish charm.
This week for Ayn-formed we interviewed Damian Heirul, the self-made hottest new artist in Shekland. This transcript helps bring to light his struggles with growing up in a small town, adjusting to the limelight, and dealing with all the hottest celebrities on the hill.
Ayn: Hello Damian, thanks for taking the time Damian: Didn’t realize they put the lookers behind the writing desk now to Ayn: Oh stop it, don’t think I’ll make the interview easier if you suck up Damian: That’s alright, I like hard situations
Ayn: I bet you do, speaking of which, your girlfriend. You came to Shekland with her, right? Damian: Yes, yes I did Ayn: Does she ever get jealous of the other girls out here? I know you did a lingerie shoot with Mazin for their new line, how did she feel about that? Damian: I think she was fine with it. She’s very secure in herself. We both have to be in this line of work Ayn: You’re new song “Too hot to handle” has a verse about hooking up with your best friends girlfriend for a while behind his back, is that about her? Damian: Uh, no, no that’s about an ex of mine. Yeah, I felt bad about it. He started dating her, and a few days later me and her started hooking up. Ayn: Scandalous, you bad boy. Are you still friends with him? Damian: No, no, he stopped talking to me after that. Honestly though it’s kind of bullshit. He threw away a long and deep friendship over a random chick he started dating for a few weeks. Ayn: Sounds like you’re still mad about it. Have you tried reaching out Damian: No. We fought over some other stuff as well, like money. Honestly I’m better off without those guys
Ayn: Those guys? Sounds like your hometown relationships are complicated Damian: Yeah, most of them moved on to “bigger and better things”, and were happy to leave me behind Ayn: I would say being a top 20 artist means you’re also on to “bigger and better things”, doesn’t it? Damian: Well, yeah, but these guys just up and left the moment they found something better. I worked hard to try to keep us all as friends. Ayn: Sounds like you have a big heart, and were taken advantage of a lot Damian: Yeah. The moment stuff got hard, everyone just ran out on me. It sucks, but I’m a giver, I always give more of myself than people are willing to give back
Ayn: Aww, sounds like it. Well, I hope you start protecting your heart more, you sound like a nice guy, and anyone would be lucky to have you Damian: I think so. From my experience most people tend to like me while they have me Ayn: Speaking of, since I have you for a little while longer, I wanted to ask you about the police call the other nigh… Damian: I don’t really want to talk about that. Well, basically. It’s a long story. My girlfriend thought she saw me with someone else, and things got a little out of hand. She apologized and we figured it out Ayn: You are a troublemaker, what a bad boy Damian: I’ve been known to cause some trouble occasionally, you should come find out off the record sometime. Take that part out Ayn: Unbelievable, you are a real charmer. I think I might have to take you up on that sometime
Hey Lazar,
I promised I would never let anything like what happened with you and Damian happen again, now it’s time to pay up. Dr. Saynaez who tutored me during my internship at ExperiMax hired me to work under her. She had an idea that Memoizer’s can be used to help treat mental health issues with carefully crafted experiences. Her initial results were decent, but now she wants more and more funding. I found out that she’s been doing research where she brings people in, and gives them traumatic experiences to make their mental health worse, then collects that as a baseline for her “real” research where she tries to make them better. This is basically artificially boosting her effect, but only %30 of the people followed through to the end, meaning she traumatized %70 of the participants for nothing. I need to go to the ethics board, but she’s one of the leading researchers, and I really need this job.
Laurine is pregnant, and I finally am making enough money to keep us afloat. But I won’t be able to look my son in the eye when he’s born if I don’t do something about this. I’m going to tell her tonight, and
decide what I’m going to do. I am going to tell my boss tomorrow, I will tell Laurine, but I have to tell the ethics board. She may be a star researcher, but this is not okay, she can’t keep doing this. I need a drink.Good night, Leister
Hi Dad,
It’s been hard without you here. I don’t know what I would do if it wasn’t for Mari. We’ve been running the company, and done well for ourselves. I’ve been really busy keeping everything afloat, but we have a huge contract with the city coming up to re-wire a couple dozen office buildings downtown. The permit guy is an asshole, but I’m getting somewhere finally. Mari’s been looking at wedding dresses, I’m just pretending the bill doesn’t exist because it might kill me to look at. The wedding’s planned for next year, going to do it at the park across from the football field.
Figuring out all the paperwork for everything has been a nightmare. Getting them to let me have access to your records has taken months now. Who knew dying could be such a pain in the ass. It’s the sort of thing we would have bitched about on the back deck and had a few beers over. I really miss those times. Anyways, happy birthday dad.
Tahr’Ren
Hi Daiem,
Here is your second letter from daddy. You just turned 2, and during the party you fell asleep face down in your cake. It’s been a hard few years for us, but I couldn’t be happier. When I first found out we were going to have you I panicked, I wasn’t sure what was going to happen, or how I was going to look after a kid. In many ways I was still a kid myself, and I didn’t know what the world held for me next. I remember when I first told your grandma, I thought she was going to explode. I remember the day you were born, being terrified in the waiting room, then I saw you for the first time and I knew that even if I don’t know how to be a good dad yet, I would figure it out for you. Your sister is going to be born soon, and I know I will do the same for her.
I’m not sure how much I will be home, unfortunately my job keeps me at work a lot right now, but I’m trying to fix it. Either way just know that I love you, and I will always make time for you when you need me. I will always make time to have our barbecue’s, fire festivals, and everything else. I love you, and happy birthday son.
Love, Dad
10 Years later
STATEMENT FOR CASE 36403801
Officer: S. Mar’Yea 210246-3rd division Suspect(s): Harley Matthis Victim(s): Damian Heirul, Ayn Ameri Bystander(s): Rae Uleytzia Type(s): Written Testimony
Officer Statement: Arrived on scene while suspect was banging on eastern window. Approached suspect who seemed to be under the influence of some sort of drugs, and was unresponsive when questioned. Following a short continuation of her slamming on the windows she turned, noticed me, then charged at me after a short exchange. Suspect was tased and handcuffed after mild altercation.
Victim Testimony: Harley is my ex-girlfriend. We moved to Shekland together a few years ago, and she helped me record my first album. She also came out here to be a singer, but once the cheques started rolling in, she was jealous. She started throwing crazy parties at my house, and broke a bunch of my stuff during them, then blamed it on other people. She’s convinced I cheated on her, so I broke up with her because I was sick of dealing with it. She keeps coming by the house and trying to trash it, and other pieces of my property. I just started dating someone else, and she’s losing her mind over it. She’s convinced I’ve been cheating with her for a few years because she interviewed me a few times. I want her to get help, but I also need her away from me, my girlfriend is getting worried she’s going to start escalating. If I can, I want to get a restraining order.
Bystander Testimony: I’ve lived here for 10 years, and never had as many issues as I have with Damian and Harley. Both of them party constantly. Last Wednesday they were partying until 4 in the morning, and someone threw up on my dog. I get that he’s famous, but there are plenty of other celebrities in the neighborhood that don’t cause issues. Both of them are high constantly, Damian nearly hit me while I was crossing the road the other day. Quite frankly you should be charging them both with all kinds of possession charges, not to mention the other 30 laws they break a day. I would be happy to testify against both of them.
Suspect Testimony: Suspect refused to provide testimony
Hometown Hero By: Julie Demirae
Memoizer’s have become a staple of our society. Helping to enrich people’s lives in more ways than one, and it looks like we can add another to the list. Leister Frazeen a researcher at ExperiMax is now beginning clinical trials for a new kinds of treatment. The idea is simple, many people experience mental health crisis as part of traumatic experiences, but what if we can reverse those effects to help treat mental health crisis.
The initial trials have proven massively successful for various ailments. Various clinics are chomping at the bit to incorporate the approaches into their own treatment plans. The research has however not been without controversy. Many have speculated about malpractice by the original principal researcher, citing potential ethics disputes. She landed herself in various lawsuits filed on behalf of the company following her firing including fraud charges relating to garnishing employee wages. The filings themselves remained private, however ExperiMax has not been shy about assuring people she is no longer involved.
Only time will tell how effective this research actually is, but a brighter future is hopefully just around the corner.
Hey Winnie,
Here is your third letter from daddy. You’re probably already sick of having to read these. Just wait until you get to the tenth, that’s when the real action starts. I can’t believe how grown up you and Daiem already are. Seeing you both walking around, talking to everyone, you’re growing up so fast. I wish I was around more to see you both, I’m still always so busy but every minute I get to spend with you guys is the best time of my life. We just went for our first camping trip up to the lakehouse with grandpa, and I can’t wait to make it a tradition every year.
By the time you’re reading this you’ll already be in high school. I went back and looked at some of my own diary entries from back then, and it’s crazy to think about that time now. I can’t wait for you to be old enough to hear some of my stories (but some are better left unsaid). Your daddy was definitely a nerd back then, and barely got out. Not the same stud you see today. Me and uncle Leister (Kaime’s Dad) used to spend so much time together. These days we only get to see him because he’s just across the park from us. Hopefully he hasn’t told you too much yet, and if he has then he’s probably lying, even if he has receipts, I swear.
But seriously, I love you, and whoever you are now you should know that I’m proud of you. I know you had the best birthday today, and I hope it’s even better for you whenever you are now.
Love, Dad
Hey Dad,
It’s been a bittersweet few years. Me, and Mari got divorced. She cheated on me with a few people. I can’t believe it happened again. I don’t know how you and mom did it for so long. I just can’t seem to find the right person no matter what I do.
Not everything is bad though. Last month I got an offer to buy the company. The payout is enough that I could live on it for a long time. I think I’m going to take it. I’ve spent so long just working that I’ve forgotten what the rest of life looks like. I’m barely home, I haven’t seen anywhere, and I’ve barely even explored the city since I moved here. I think I’m going to take some time and go try to find out who I am outside my job for a bit. Hopefully next time I’ll have some more exciting answers to what I’m doing. I wish you were here to come with me travelling, I’m sure hearing you bitch about every hotel we stay in would have been fun. Happy birthday dad, I love you
Tahr’Ren
25 Years
Subject: Second Annual Faren Fund Charity Ball From: Kaeti Ghaere
Hello Everyone,
We are running the second annual charity ball on behalf of the Arzentia national liver society. For those of you that don’t know our story, my husband Faren died last year of liver failure. He was the best guy I’ve ever known, and father to our two kids. A few years ago we moved to Arzentia so that Faren could pursue a new position, and to find a better life for our kids. Winnie our youngest is 18, and is thrilled to be starting university for graphic arts. Daiem our oldest is 2 years into a biological sciences degree, and already starting to look for internships. Faren was a great dad, and a great person. He was taken from us too soon, and we want to help keep that from happening to anyone else.
The Faren Fund is an initiative on behalf of the Arzentia national liver society to help raise awareness about the warning signs of liver-related disorders, as well as helping with treatment and research. Any donations you can provide will directly go to help those struggling with any liver-related disorders, research, and also towards a full-ride scholarship for a student each year. We will be hosting a charity ball where we are asking for donations to help make this a special event, and start the awareness campaign. If you are interested please respond to the email for more details.
Thank you so much, Kaeti Ghaere Head of the Faren Fund
To whom it may concern,
Hello, my name is Leister Frazeen. You may be familiar with me from my work on pioneering memoizer-based treatments for mental health disorders. In this same vein I would like to welcome you to invest in a new startup I have begun with my business partner Tahr’Ren Tranime. Tah’Ren is a serial entrepreneur with a history of successful investments and leadership in various companies. We are partnering together to offer a first of it’s kind clinic that specializes in memoizer-based treatments, and research.
I will be heading the research and development of new procedures, treatments, and hardware to help with a litany of disorders. Tahr’Ren will be leading the company as the CEO, and helping to take these procedures to the next level with better funding avenues, and cooperation with companies to better understand what the community needs to provide safe and effective care for patients. This is where this email comes in, we are searching for seed funding to help expedite our development. If you have any interest please respond to this email, or set up a time to chat on our website.
Thank you for your time, Leister Frazeen
Hey Dad
It’s been a while. This diary got dusty in the closet. I took a lot of time after the last message to do some soul-searching. It was the best decision of my life. I managed to get into investing and business management while I was travelling, and I’m really good at it. So good that me and Leister are starting a new company together doing medical research and I’m the CEO. Don’t worry I’m not doing the operations, I’m sure that wouldn’t go well. Leister is one of the sharpest guy’s I’ve ever known, but he knows nothing about business. I’m hoping to help him get his treatments out to more people, and help as many as I can.
I didn’t fully give up on love, I met a new girl. Before you ask, yes she’s Zarathem. Her name is Raelin and she’s the most loving person I’ve ever met in my life. We just welcomed Ulia your granddaughter to the world not too long ago. It’s been hard having a kid and starting a company, but I come home every day so happy for the chance to do both. I just wish you were here to see it. I don’t know how many more of these I’ll do, but I think I’m going to give the diary to Ulia when she’s old enough, the same way you did with me (not that I took the lessons seriously). I love you dad, and happy birthday.
Tahr’Ren
Reporter: … For our next story, tragedy struck this evening for music star Damian Heirul. During a routine traffic stop Heirul ran from police. During the chase Heirul lost control of the car and went sliding into a support beam on the Hemsworth bridge. Reporter: In the car alongside Heirul was Ayn Ameri, his girlfriend and well known influencer from Ayn-formed, the mother to two children. Additionally there was one other unidentified victim, we’re waiting for police reports to confirm an identity. The police have confirmed all three were dead on arrival. A tragic end to a short-lived career. Reporter: For 660 news I’m Kara Alraem
Curators notes
As we look over the course of a persons life, their perspectives can change dramatically. Every character had completely separate experiences, lived different lives, yet came from such similar beginnings. When we’re young, and our perspective is limited, it’s easy to homogenize with those around you. It’s impossible to see life for what it is, instead we get a small window of our own little world to peek through, and have to do our best with it. Immaturity and ideology take hold to drive our choices. As we get older we get the opportunity to patina our beliefs, and temper them with experience.
Some assumptions we make will fall apart under scrutiny. Some decisions we learn from, while others we still blame something external. All of these choices build who we are, and who we are going to be. Keep this in mind when you are looking at situations, ensure you have the context necessary to understand your options, and make the best ones you can. Most importantly, reflect and learn from your choices, expand your perspective and never stop growing.
- Yahrn Listrea, Perception Series 1