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When Nicu arrives from Romania struggling to find his footing in a foreign country, and Jess tries to navigate a home life shadowed by violence, their unexpected meeting becomes the bright spot each desperately needs. What begins as an unlikely friendship between two outsiders blossoms into something deeper as they recognize in each other a kindred understanding of pain and the possibility of something better. Told in beautiful, raw verse from both perspectives, this is a tender story about how the right person at the right time can help you believe in yourself—even when the odds feel stacked against you. If you're drawn to emotionally resonant YA that doesn't shy away from real struggles but celebrates resilience and connection, this one will absolutely captivate you.
Reading soundtrack
Soft indie-folk and acoustic pop with introspective lyrics about finding solace in connection. Think gentle guitar, vulnerable vocals, and moments of quiet hope. Indie artists like Bon Iver, Soccer Mommy, and Phoebe Bridgers—where pain meets tenderness and two broken people recognize themselves in each other.
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