Revereche

Quick backstory: I was homeschooled in the middle of nowhere by hermitish parents for the majority of my childhood, save for a couple years in my preteens, when we lived in some apartments and I really got to socialize.

In 2003, right as I hit puberty, we moved back out to the country. It was also this year that I discovered Zebra Girl.

What followed was a long trial of depression and feelings of extreme isolation. Reading Zebra Girl was cathartic - as she was trapped and felt her humanity slipping away, so did I. Jack and Crystal paralleled my parents, assuring me that I had them.

In 2008, I was finally old enough to move out on my own, around the time Sandra broke out and gave in to her demonic urges. As I gained my own freedom, I couldn't help but cheer her on in gaining hers. Of course, also like Sandra, the experience was tainted by lingering depression, and fears of being monstrously different from others.

Of course, those soon gave way to more human fears, like bills and getting a job, right as Sandra regained her humanity only to despise it. Mr. Chalk even works as a perfect metaphor for my recurring suicidal urges at the time, culminating in an actual attempt.

After they've hit their head, things seem to be cooling down and cheering up a bit for both of us. While Sandra gets her pep talks from Viv, I'm finally in a place in life where I can really say I'm happy.

Nine years, now. It's been a fun ride, Zebra Girl . . . though I'm a little terrified of what'll happen next.