Catharsis

Fifteen-year old Lizzie cannot talk about the things that hurt her the most. Her alcoholic mother. Her self-centered best friend. And Cameron. The pain inside leads her to cutting herself as way to feel better. Lizzie doesn™t understand why it happens, but she knows that she cannot risk telling anyone. She would be branded a freak, like Sherry Overton. Instead, Lizzie devotes all of her energy into looking like an average high school freshman.

Since going home after school is often lonely, Lizzie makes her way to an art club, taught by a new teacher, Mr. Nolan. Mr. Nolan is kind, genuine, and cares about all of his students, including Lizzie. He challenges her to use art as a way to use her voice. This both intrigues and terrifies Lizzie, who would much rather be invisible and silent.

As Lizzie™s internal world begins to spiral out of control, it becomes harder and harder to maintain her calm exterior and keep her cutting a secret.