By Sarah Jacks

The following article contains sensitive material that may be unsuitable for some readers. Please skip to the fifth paragraph if you’d feel uncomfortable reading. Thank you.

“All right, Kim, we’ve got the results from your MRI. It shows here…” Kim struggles to understand her frowning neurologist, who points at the MRI scan projected on his monitor. Her brain registers the words, “rare,” and, “neurological condition.” Her mind wanders to the past few months, clarifying each depressive episode, every pain, and all of the cognitive dysfunction. She doesn't listen to the neurologist anymore. She can't. Her stomach plummets lower than Death Valley.

Evan watches as two men lower his mother’s coffin into the ground. He has been numb throughout the entire funeral service. Memories crash through his mind; an entire childhood playing out, before the car accident drives him into despaired adulthood at a tender sixteen years old. His cheeks are slick like the well-oiled car that struck his mother. Slick from tears.

Mara tiptoes into the house, careful to keep her father asleep. She slips past the kitchen table, placing their new key into its basket, catching a glimpse of her reflection.

Changing locks has been a pain, but at least I don't need a mirror anymore.

Her even newer job works her to the bone, giving her knees a run for their money as she creeps to bed. She sniffs the air, her mother's saccharine perfume finally gone.

Good riddance. If only it was that difficult to get rid of money. Now I have to pitch in just to buy groceries. You had to steal all of our savings, huh Mom?

Carter jolts awake, bathed in sweat. His heart threatens to splinter his ribcage as he fights off dry heaves.

Close your eyes and take a deep breath.

He feels groping hands and harsh lips. Sneers ripple through his psyche. Dangerous figures haunt his mind's eye, growing until they overtake him.

Pain. So much pain.

He screams, the previous week's events crushing him. His eyes snap open.

I'm in my dorm…no one's here…they can't hurt me…

Kim, Evan, Mara, and Carter share little in common. They each face unique challenges, in unique situations. Independently, these situations are painful enough. However, the four are enrolled in classes, forced to manage another tedious obstacle that may cause them to lose all, if any, remaining handle on their actions. School is difficult when life goes well and can appear insurmountable otherwise.