Every time I close my eyes I see their faces. So vivid, right there in front of me, yelling. And when I open them, there’s nothing but the dark loneliness of the bedroom.
-- Ben/narration (chapter 2)

Importance: This quote embodies the lasting trauma that can be created by violence and aggression. The memory that Ben is referencing in this quote is the fight that occurred between themselves and their parents when they came out as nonbinary. Their parents’ reaction of anger, confusion, and rejection, emotions embodied in their facial expressions, have a lasting effect on Ben that continues to have a detrimental effect on them in the present moment, despite having left the site of the conflict.

I can do this, it’s going to be fine. Everything is going to be okay and this is most definitely the right thing to do. I know my parents, they know me, they deserve to...
-- Ben/narration (chapter 1)