In every novel I've ever read, there's always that moment for the protagonist.
They grind. They grow stronger. They reach new heights.
And then—bam.
They hit a wall.
Not a physical wall, but one that's way worse. A soul-crushing, energy-draining wall that just won't move, no matter what.
They're more powerful than ever, but instead of celebrating, they're stuck in this weird headspace. Frustration. Emptiness. Even loneliness.
Back then, when I was just a reader, I didn't get it.
"You've come so far. Isn't this what you wanted?" I used to think. "Just push through. Keep going."
It seemed simple.
But that was then.
Now?
Now I understand.
Because I've finally reached that point myself.
And it's exactly as hollow and disorienting as the books described.
I've clawed my way up from the bottom, from barely functioning to… well, a little better than barely functioning.
