“Thanks,” I say, closing the door behind him. When he’s gone, I hold the mirror up to my face one last time, then set it on the vanity tray where it belongs.

With the fulfillment of the third and final quest, it strikes me that Starworld is a complete story now: it has had a beginning, a middle, and an end.

But when I turn Sam’s card over, a line catches my eye: *leaves door open*

When it dawns on me what she means, I race to the door. “Miles! Come back! I need the address on the box.”

When I hear him pounding back up the stairs, box in hand, I grab my phone and open my contacts list.

Because an open door is not an end.

It’s a detour waiting to be taken.

Resources

As with all narratives, Sam’s and Zoe’s stories are individual and are in no way meant to represent all experiences with mental illness, pregnancy loss, disability, or adoption. Sam’s experience living with her mother is only one dynamic that could exist between a parent with OCD and their child. Zoe’s feelings about being a safe haven adoptee and having a disabled family member are only one form such a story might take. To help acknowledge the variety of experiences that might exist around these issues, we’ve compiled some resources below and encourage our readers to learn more.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

As Sam notes in the story, finding information for family members (particularly children) of those who live with obsessive-compulsive disorder can be challenging. Below are some resources that aim to educate friends, family members, and others about how to be better allies for those with OCD. In addition, we strongly recommend reading both fiction and nonfiction by those who live with OCD to better understand the disorder and the wide variety of forms it can take.

Education and Resources

Research Papers

Recommended Reading

Pregnancy Loss

Sam’s mother’s struggle with OCD after pregnancy loss is based on real-life research. Many cases of OCD are unrelated to trauma, but trauma can trigger or exacerbate existing anxiety disorders. Post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorders, and depression are all common after the loss of a pregnancy. In the Company of Angels: A Memorial Book, which Sam’s mother uses to memorialize Sebastian, is a real book and can be purchased online.

Education and Resources

Research Papers

“Post-traumatic stress, anxiety and depression following miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy: a prospective cohort study.” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27807081

Disabilities and Ableism

Regarding disability, perhaps the most important thing we can do is strive to create a more inclusive world — one in which people with disabilities are seen as part of human diversity. As readers, we can seek out narratives by disabled writers in order to see the world through their eyes. As people, we can find ways to challenge ableism and make our communities accessible to everyone.

Education and Resources

For Educators

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL):

For Allies

Stop Ableism:

Integrated Community Services (ICS):

Recommended Reading