Note: The most terrifying thing in Vivian's story is knowing that I went through something similar.

Vivian stood on the rooftop of one of the skyscrapers of New Eridu, feeling nothing but devastation inside. For her entire life she was able to see future deaths of other people, and because of that everyone saw her as a monster who brings death. Always alone, never accepted by others, Vivian wandered the land in desperate search of her place and those who would accept her. But the only things she faced were fear and hatred.

And so that night she decided to end everything. She was reading a post about herself on the Interknot. The post described her as some terrifying monstrosity that can kill other people just with her presence. And comments under this post weren’t any better, blaming her that she brings death to everyone and it would be better if she never existed. Vivian knew it was not her fault, but nobody wanted to listen, nobody ever stood up to defend her, and she had enough.

Slowly Vivian walks towards the edge of the roof, looking at New Eridu for one last time. One step and her suffering will be over.

Just when Vivian was about to make that step, her phone buzzed in her hand. A notification about a new comment under that post. She decided to look at it, prepared to see another wave of hatred, but it didn’t happen. Someone with the nickname Phaeton wrote a long comment, defending Vivian, saying that she’s not a monster and that all “bringer of death” talk is nothing but baseless accusations. Before Vivian could process it, another comment from Phaeton appeared, answering other users. That person stood up for Vivian without even knowing her and didn’t back down against others.

Vivian stood there, reading everything and a long-forgotten warm feeling began to settle in her chest. She wanted to find Phaeton no matter who it was, and maybe, just maybe, this person would accept her.

Vivian looked at the city once again, but this time with a new purpose in mind. New Eridu waits for her because somewhere out there is Phaeton, her Phaeton.