Could you start again without chucking everything?
-- Narrator (The Affinity Charm)

Importance: Although Bix has had a successful career and become world famous for his Mandala technology and company, in his middle age he is facing a crisis of identity. His company was founded on principals of connection and community. However, Bix finds himself feeling more alone than ever. Suddenly he begins to question the entirety of his past life, all of his decisions, and the merit of the vision that birthed Mandala. In this moment, he wonders if it is possible to discard rather than perpetually revisit the past. The moment not only introduces a key narrative conflict on the page and in Bix's storyline, but contributes to the author's explorations concerning the past, identity, loneliness, and connection.

His goal was to create a disruption so extreme that it jolted genuine responses—albeit negative—from those around him.
-- Narrator (Case Study: No One Got Hurt)

Importance: Throughout his life, Alfred has found...