All of these statements are based in my intent, and I acknowledge that I can fall short or make mistakes. Feedback in good faith is welcome.
Please note that depiction is not the same as endorsement, and that a story can depict stressful situations in a story about healing from them. (We are essentially in the hurt/comfort zone here, except that the characters largely learn to comfort themselves while supporting one another.)
Dysfunctional families / abuse: A major theme, depicted in several chapters.
- Verbal and emotional abuse
- Passive aggression and unrealistically high expectations
- After-effects: critical thoughts toward self and others, justifying the abusers’ actions
- Non-familial: non-detailed references to bullying in a school setting; descriptions of a dysfunctional hookup and breakup in the past
Fictional religions: A shrine and a church, from two different religions, are central locations. Fictional religions and philosophies are discussed, and religious ceremonies are depicted.
Violence: Grabbing and pushing in one scene. Two scenes of sword combat with ill intent. Scenes of practicing swordfighting/sparring for exercise
Sexual content: Same-sex flirting, kissing, and a non-detailed reference to other sexual activities. A romantic relationship is depicted, although it is not at the center of the story.
Mortality: A funeral service is depicted. Characters discuss the legacy of a character who died before the story begins.
Alcohol consumption: Two instances of intoxication; references to underage alcohol consumption in the past
Homophobia/transphobia: Not normalized in the setting, but a trans character is misgendered once in a flashback.
Please read at your own discretion.