Mislabeled

This passage recounts the life of an individual named Nolan Forbes, detailing a relentless series of traumas and his subsequent efforts to survive and redefine himself.

Born "clinically dead," Forbes's life began with a struggle. A significant turning point occurred at age seven when he was sexually assaulted, an event that instilled profound shame and a lasting belief that he was fundamentally flawed. This trauma was compounded by witnessing his father's violence against his mother and the emotional abandonment following his parents' divorce.

These experiences left Forbes feeling "different" and struggling with emotional regulation, leading to a misdiagnosis of ADHD which he felt only officially confirmed his perceived defectiveness. His trust in authority figures was further eroded by a manipulative psychiatrist and a doctor whose examination triggered a traumatic flashback.

A pivotal moment in fifth grade, dubbed the "Note That Burned My World," involved a love note he wrote to a male classmate being publicly exposed. The resulting homophobic bullying and humiliation taught him that vulnerability was a liability. In response, Forbes consciously constructed a "fortress of stoicism" and an "armor" of indifference. He embarked on a rigorous path of self-education, studying psychology and Buddhism to understand his suffering and gain control over his internal world. He reframed his ADHD not as a defect, but as a disadvantage to be overcome through hard work.

Finding little support from peers, Forbes sought mentorship from adults at his grandmother's restaurant. There, he formed crucial bonds, most notably with Sears, his first openly gay friend and mentor, who provided vital emotional support and guidance. He also learned about social dynamics from a "tough crowd."

Despite his outward resilience, Forbes's internal struggles continued, marked by another shaming incident, deepening depression, and incessant bullying. At a breaking point, he confronted his mother and, at sixteen, driven by a need for autonomy, moved into his own apartment. Ultimately, in a "primal surge for survival," he made the life-altering decision to leave his past behind and move to Austin, Texas, seeking a new beginning and the chance for genuine self-discovery.