• explicit sexual activity: FMC & MMC have multiple, consensual sexual encounters

• depression: FMC is grappling with a traumatic history

• on-page passive suicidal ideation: FMC has several moments with passive suicidal ideation [most direct in Chapters 2 and 10]

• family history of suicide: MMC’s sister died by suicide several years before the story begins

• past sexual trauma: FMC was in a series of sexually coercive situations as an adult, at the hands of adults [graphic recall of a specific incident involved forced fellatio in Chapter 22]

• alcohol misuse: FMC occasionally drinks too much whisky as a coping mechanism

• violent confrontations with several antagonists: as the MCs interact with antagonists, several violent scenes include a gun [Chapters 14–15] and knives [Chapter 24]

• graphic knife use: a knife is used consensually by MMC to remove an unwanted mark on FMC’s skin [Chapter 16]

• infertility: FMC is infertile due to a childhood illness but would also be childfree by choice if feasible; this is discussed several times throughout the story

• structure fire with entrapment: FMC’s cottage is set on fire while she is inside it [Chapters 23–24]