The Value of a Life

Chapter 25 New Beginnings

A/N:

There is no chapter 25 for TVOL. I'm sorry to disappoint. It's been far too long with far too little word from me. I must admit that feel guilty about this, but there has been a lot going on with me, still is in fact. Because of this and about a million more reasons, I'm ending TVOL here.

Chapter 24 was posted on New Year's Eve at around 1 o'clock in the morning. I didn't know it then, but a lot was going to change for me, starting this year.

2015 was by far the worst year in my entire existence. I don't particularly want to talk about it much anymore, but most of you, I'm sure, can guess why. If not, read my author's notes for this story. I made a promise to myself to make 2016 better for me, not that it could possibly be any worse.

Anyway, many of you know that among the changes that are coming into my life is the decision to enlist in the United States Marine Corps next January, something that I've talked about in other stories but have yet to announce here. I feel that it is something that would help me, as a person, greatly and that it is also something I have always wanted to do. Following this decision, I have tapered off of my medication and am working towards physically and mentally preparing myself for the military as best I can. These past few weeks have been the best of my life in a long time, a real, genuine happiness that comes from being just me. I have a good deal of confidence that this is what I was meant to do.

In relation to this story, I have had so much trouble figuring out where to go with the actual Chapter 25, following where Humphrey wakes up in the hospital. I couldn't do it. Something about writing this feels different than when I was working on all the other chapters. I think this has to do with the change in tone.

As the story moves from this quite literally depressing mood to something far better, I feel as though this was the most fitting place to end the story. I feel as though this is where the defined conflict ends and that this is the most natural stopping point. Additionally, it is already the size of a fairly long novel.

I would also like to emphasize that I do not want to have to think of the story as I have been for TVOL. As of right now, it's a testament to the darkest parts of my life, something I personally don't like to look at much. With my sort of "turning over a new leaf" so to speak, I don't want to have to be so emotionally involved in this area. I'm happy now and I don't want to go backwards.

What this means is that there is never going to be another chapter of TVOL, BUT…I am starting a sequel. I have already begun the first chapter, an adaptation of what was going to be this one. I'm not sure what I will call the new story, but it is going to be a hell of a lot more pleasant to read. This is a new start for me (even if it is still the same story universe), but I can only hope to take it further than TVOL. Wish me luck! :)

-Nick (ncham9)