THE STORY OF DESOLATE was very difficult for me to write. It involved many hours of immersing myself in a plot that feels personal, and in an odd way, intimate as it often weighed on my emotions. Though I haven’t experienced something of this nature, the idea that someone so close to you—someone you trust unconditionally—could harm you and take away the sanctity of the one place you’re supposed to feel safe and loved, is unfathomable and heartbreaking.
The seriousness of domestic abuse is not to be taken lightly and sadly the signs can creep in little by little—transferred guilt, cutting words, mood swings, jealousy, social restrictions—or it can be made obvious by an explosive temper and aggression. They’re all harmful to a person’s well-being and need to be addressed before the abuse becomes a destructive habit, changing their life forever.
Even though this story is fictional, the underlying theme is real. Abuse is NOT okay. And if you feel that someone—anyone—is abusing you—physically or mentally—please seek help. There are so many different sources of aid available. No one needs to suffer in silence.
Sincerely, A. R. Wile