On the short side of eternity, depression, self-harm, addiction, and abuse are only a few of the issues that sent seventeen-year-old Zane Banks into the perfect downward spiral with no other choice. In "One Word," P. C. Houtzer introduces us to Zane's soulmate, Adda Hawkins, who spends her days in tears, clinging to the remnants of a four-year fallen short forever. Zane's best friend since kindergarten, Hailey Miller, descends into an impulsive, depressive addiction as another burning ember sears her skin. Then his best friend of six years, Kyle Jones, tries his best to step into the shoes Zane left behind while juggling the high-school football team with a father who's less than a star. Each one wanted the best for Zane, and now it's getting the best of them in this unexpected, addicting, and inspiring journey where one word would have changed everything. The "On the Short Side of Forever" series is my attempt at creating a steppingstone for the conversation about mental health: while sending a message to all who are suffering to let them know that they aren't alone. This book expresses one of many possible narrative pathways that arise from the repercussions of suicide: in addition to giving an in-depth example of what it means to be silently struggling.