Author's Note
As anyone who has read this story (or even the description) may know, this is the second time I am posting The Art of Leaving. I lost access to my last account and have observed that the forums in which I had also posted it are no longer available. I felt it necessary, however, to repost it, because I would like to continue the story even though it didn't draw much attention the first time.
In any case, I feel a few disclaimers need to be made before I move on. I depict the characters as corrupt—impulsive, promiscuous, and ridden with chemicals. They lack the guidance adolescents should be familiar with. This was intentional for me to articulate the themes that are incredibly prominent throughout the plot. I am not trying to offend you, and I do believe (from experience) that people really can behave this way given the proper setting and sufficient freedom. However, I am not promoting these things! This lifestyle is sad, oppressive, and can pull anyone in. I attempted to portray it with a certain beauty, as is appropriate in all art, but in no way are my descriptions glorifying such actions.
Due to the nature of the storyline, there is much gratuitous vulgarity and a plethora of concepts that are likely to offend some people, most of which are listed above.
There is, of course, the second, more obvious disclaimer, one that I will repeat many times. I do not own South of Nowhere, nor do I own the characters. I am not in any way affiliated with the creators.
To reiterate my previous notations, I hope that whoever decides to continue does so with an open mind and is able to look beneath the heavy content. This is a piece that I have put a lot of effort into, and I would like you to enjoy reading it as much as I have enjoyed writing it.