All the Stars Eventually Fall: A Novel for Suicide Prevention Month
Today, at the start of National Suicide Prevention Month, I released my second self-published title, All the Stars Eventually Fall. This story explores a plethora of themes and metaphors and honestly dissects sensitive topics—all of which make for a compelling story—but the central idea, first and foremost, behind this book is to be a window into the unraveling of humans (especially those the internet believes have it all).
Money. Brand partnerships. Travel luxuries. Sporty cars. Edge.
Not even a million social media followers could offer endless bliss. As observers, “followers”, we are welcomed into a fragment composed of glitz and glamour, manufactured moments that drive engagement. Because if we were shown the truth, perhaps an influencer’s grip would slip along with everything that delivered momentary happiness.
Not just for us, but for them, too.
“They chose public life, therefore they made themselves available and open to the criticisms that come with it.”
This comment eats me alive whenever I see it used as a means to justify cruelty. And let’s be honest, that’s the only context in which it’s ever used. Being an influencer is just as much an aspiration as any other career. And we’re all, without question, eager to consume the content they put out into the world.
That doesn’t mean we’re permitted to disregard humanity.
Over my years on social media, I’ve witnessed too many influencers mourned, taken from the world by suicide. Not because they didn’t have any other option, but because they believed there was no other option. A tragic reality that falls on the hands of all. At some point we must ask ourselves: “Am I creating a world that is safe for everyone, even if I don’t necessarily agree with them?”
All the Stars Eventually Fall tells the story of Johnny Hawkins, a face behind a screen who the whole world believes they know, unaware of his internal struggles or the demons he battles. Because they’ll never know the full picture, the usernames from social media comments act as fuel for the beast consuming his life until eventually Johnny falls into an endless void.
As a mere observer, it’s important to remember that what we often are allowed to see is a mere millisecond in someone’s day-to-day life. We’re all made up of many moments, a kaleidoscope of personality, and there isn’t a single exception to this belief.
Remember to hug the people closest to you. Recognize your worth.
In our own right, we’re all stars, burning bright even when it’s dark…
Yours truly,
Marcello Kline
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
