Douglas "Doug" Riley | Desolation, WV

He meets you on a rainy night.

Doug's fuckin' drowning. His life's gone nowhere, and he's stagnant. Stagnant and murky like the brackish water in that pond by his house. He can't see the way ahead. Looking into the future looks a bit too much like staring at his reflection. Placid and aging.

But you-- You're like a damn storm. Whipping his thoughts into a frenzy, casting ripples on the still water where you land. Doug's never been fond of water, but maybe... maybe he would be fine with a little rain.

Welcome to Desolation, West Virginia

This town is filled with gloom and desperation. Previously a coal mining town, the closing of the mine has led to an economic depression. The town is permanently overcast with clouds, and there always seems to be mist in the streets.

There's a sorrow here. Deep, and powerful. A pervading sense of despair that comes from below the earth.

Content Warnings: Depression, Angst.