I know there are a lot of these floating around right now, however I hope to have a large collective one, where we can all discuss and help one and other out. Feel free to post your story even if you have elsewhere. Here is my story.

About a month ago I asked out the girl I have loved for years. She turned me down without telling me why, and for about a week I was devastated, I couldn't sleep or focus on anything. I was living everyday for her, all the things I would do was to be a better person for her. Every day I was moving forward with no sense of direction, I didn't know what I was doing anymore. I cut my hair and shaved my face, but that was only a physical change, it wasn't enough. Over the past month I've been trying to figure out who I am, and where I want to go.

I found Katawa Shoujo the day of release, but disregarded it as just another visual novel. After a few days I decided that I might as well try it out, and went about downloading it. Going into it pretty with a pretty down attitude, I quickly took to the feeling of desperation of the main character. Continuing along, I met all of the girls you could choose from, and of course Kenji. I think this is where the game actually first started to change me, Kenji's hilarious personality put me in a great mood, and his antics throughout the first act really helped me along.

I wanted to go through just choosing whatever options I would choose. I ended up accidently getting Emi, which was a good start. I was thinking for a little while that this would just basically be some kind of Hentai, so I was starting to get disappointed, but then they started developing the character. I've been through Emi, Rin, and Lilly's route so far, getting the good end on all of them and it really surprised me how much I connected with the character.

The whole thing made me look at my own life. I had to figure out not only who I am, but who I want to be, and where things are going. I haven't exactly figured a lot out yet, but every day I am working towards a better tomorrow. I just wanted to share how this little visual novel, and the people spent many days of their life working on, actually had a lasting impact on my life. I know there are others that have been touched by this loving visual novel, and would love if you all would share your stories as well. Maybe we can all help each other to live a better life, this is my hopes anyways.