The Bonds We Share (Introduction)

The intro,dedication and honorable mentions of characters that didn't make it to the end.

INTRODUCTION

This story is my humble attempt in killing the cliches and rewriting stereotypes and assumptions people have about anxiety.
As someone with mild manageable anxiety. I’ll tell you one thing. It’s not always about having a panic attack. It’s not always external or clearly visible. Quite often, it’s like a silent storm, even the experiencing person is not aware of.
It’s like filling up a glass with water but not being able to stop even if it overflows.
We never asked to be anxious. We never wanted to overthink everything and second-guess our existence. We just want people to see us for who we are, that’s it.
This story is based on a personal life but please don't ask me questions. I won’t be more specific than this. Keep in mind that not everything about her is related to me. She is still unique in her own ways

I present to you my story in its rawest unfiltered form.
I know it’s a teen protagonist but that doesn’t mean that teenagers are the only ones who can have anxiety. So please don’t assume anything. Anyone can have anxiety, no matter the age.


Warning
Struggle with anxiety - Anxiety portrayed is specific to character
Lack of communication in family dynamics
Grief and parental loss
Suppressed emotions and emotional masking
Panic attack- Brief but present
Emotional neglect and isolation
Internalized self-hate
Long- term healing over a time skip

If you are in a vulnerable place or get emotionally overwhelmed easily. Please reconsider reading this story. Your well-being matters more.

Recommended for readers age 15+ due to emotional themes, even though the mentioned content rating in 13+


DEDICATION

This story is dedicated to:
1) People who couldn't let their inner child live because they had to fit in.
2) People who would prefer to bottle up their emotions and trust a diary rather than people because they felt like they would be judged.
3) People with anxiety who think they are too much for wanting someone to see the real messy version of them.
4) Kids who thought that sharing too much would lead people to see them as different.
5) Parents who want to be there for their children but not always know how.
6) And finally this is for anyone who simply misses the joys of childhood.

Honorable mentions

The crew who couldn’t make it to the final story. I apologise to them for being so indecisive about the plot.
Even though you guys couldn’t be there, I hope you are still proud of her.

Jake, Lucas, Orion, Olivia: The OG friends group
You guys were awesome but unfortunately she has new friends now. I didn’t know where to put you guys in the new draft

Rika- the childhood bestfriend
There could have been a wholesome reunion between you two. But now, I honestly don’t know if it serves the narratives or not. Don’t worry though, You won’t be forgotten

Xavier and Evanna- The Step siblings
Well I don’t want extra conflicts because she won’t accept this, like ever. Oh well….

Vee- I forgot the full name I gave you: The bully turned friend
I don’t know if she’ll be bullied now cause she is just a lovable human being even though she doesn’t talk much. She gets randomly adopted into a friends group and they just let her do her thing. Saira has taken your place.

All these characters and many others I forgot to mention. You guys would have taken this story to a different direction and I don’t know how to write it properly. So this version is what I have. You helped me make a version that best fits her and for that I am really grateful.
If the story didn't work, an animation for these guys would certainly be there.