Confused

This is not a “nice” story. It can hurt, open wounds, or paint a dark, disheartening picture of bullies and their impact. The story is fiction; the issues are real.

The day-to-day confusion of growing up is hard enough. But, what would you do if something horrible happened to you? or, to a friend? Could you count on your friends to stick with you if you were raped? Would they dump you? Would you support them if they deal with the same kind of pain?

Follow the perspectives as two close friends/neighbors, Paxton and Mia, alternately share their feelings, pain, and strengths to help each other deal with rape, suicide, and abuse.

The techniques utilized by the main characters are viable and realistic. Some techniques don’t help and should be avoided, e.g., turning to drugs, drinking, or suicide. The hope is victims will learn they are not alone; they will find the strength to get help and confront their problems.

There are unanticipated surprises in Confused; hopefully, some humor as well.

Includes a look at the characters’ potential futures and resources anyone can access for help.