pa-ter
/ˈpādər,ˈpädər/
noun
father.

Matthew Crowe's, a single father in his early 30s, life is shattered when Starstruck Mall, a project designed by his late wife, Eriyon, collapses in a tragic disaster. Overwhelmed by grief and guilt, Matthew's world spirals into chaos, culminating in a DUI and a court-mandated 100 hours of community service. With his young daughter, Hina, in the care of her grandparents, Matthew feels lost and aimless.

When he meets Sage, a dedicated volunteer and survivor of the mall collapse, Matthew sees an opportunity for redemption and relief. While Sage helps him navigate his community service, she remains unaware of the full extent of his connection to the disaster. As their relationship develops, Sage uncovers the painful truth about Eriyon's role in the collapse, leading to a dramatic confrontation that forces Matthew to face his past and the painful reality of his loss.

Through this emotional reckoning, Matthew learns to let go of his search for another Eriyon and instead focuses on what truly matters: being a present and loving father to Hina. As he begins to rebuild his life and embrace the future, Matthew finds hope and renewal in unexpected places.

NERES by Seren Idik is a raw, unapologetic memoir of identity, mental health, and the journey to self-acceptance. Idik shares their struggles with depression, suicidal thoughts, and the pressure to become somebody, challenging the myths we've been taught about fitting in, finding purpose, and achieving perfection.

This memoir isn't about finding answers-it's about embracing the questions, finding freedom in the in-between, and discovering the power of existing outside of societal ideals, whether tied to identity, gender, or expectation. By rejecting the need to conform, Idik shows us how to let our names define us-proving that who we are is enough, without the need for labels.

After a traumatic suicide attempt, 15-year-old Alex Reynolds finds himself consumed by a profound pessimism that clouds every aspect of his life. Meanwhile, Mr. Thompson, a once-grieving widower due to the suicide of his wife, emerges from his own hardships as a beacon of optimism, determined to spread light in the world, especially as a teacher.

Their lives intersect when Mr. Thompson becomes Alex's new neighbor, a fact that Alex initially tries to avoid because of his internal struggle and fear of confronting his own problems. This avoidance is suddenly interrupted as Alex enrolls into a new school in an attempt to press the reset button on his life, but crosses paths with Mr. Thompson, who is now not only his new neighbor, but his new English teacher as well.

As Mr. Thompson enters Alex's world, and Alex enters Mr. Thompson's world, his unwavering positivity and objective perspective on life begin to chip away at Alex's hardened exterior. Their unexpected connection and Mr. Thompson's warmth and wisdom slowly start to kindle a sense of hope within him as their bond deepens when Mr. Thompson becomes not only a teacher but also a mentor and a friend to Alex, offering guidance, understanding, and a steady hand to navigate the tumultuous journey of healing.
Between their shared experiences and the significant impact of Mr. Thompson's empathy and passion through writing and teaching, Alex begins to rediscover a sense of purpose.

However, the path to healing is not without setbacks. Alex experiences moments of doubt and relapse, and the weight of his past and his present continue to haunt him. In the climax of the story, Alex faces a pivotal moment of decision due to a life-changing event, where he must choose between surrendering to the darkness or stepping into the light of hope and resilience. With the support of his newfound allies and a growing sense of self-acceptance, Alex musters the strength to confront his past, and better his future, ultimately emerging from the shadows and finding his own way forward.

The Path to Tomorrow is a poignant tale of unlikely friendship, resilience, and the transformative power of compassion.
As Alex and Mr. Thompson navigate their own struggles, their bond becomes a lifeline, illuminating the path toward healing and renewal in the midst of darkness.