Dear Reader,

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For more information about certain subjects, feel free to read more in the links available in certain words throught the story. You can identify these words by their underline and bold appearance.

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Sincerely,

The creator

Riyon Adams

Age: 22

Gender: Male

Likes: Photography, Flowers, Horror Movies & Wren

Dislikes: The smell of cars, Insects & Marshmallows (he claim that they are too soft, Wren isn't sure what he means)

Wren Clarke

Age: 21

Gender: Non-binary

Likes: Ice-skating, Pastries, Butterflies, Hot Chocolate with extra marshmallows & Riyon (he forced them to write his name. They would have done it anyways)

Dislikes: Tomatoes, Clay & Lakes where you can't see your feet

But the path to today hasn't been an easy one.

During the worst part of their relationship, Wren had been too afraid to do anything.





“Atychiphobia” was the word that appeared when Riyon searched for the typical behaviours that his lover presented. “A fear of failure” was another way to describe it (Cleverland clinic, 2022).

Riyon found several of his lover's behaviours matching the descriptions, including:

Fear of performing tasks

Heightened Anxiety

Higher pessimism

Unwillingness to accept constructive criticism or help

And other concerning behaviours

Even their relationship had taken a toll by this behaviour.



The fear of failure can lead individuals to avoid emotional intimacy, fear vulnerability, or engage in self-sabotaging behaviours that undermine the relationship. Atychiphobia can create a constant need for reassurance, contribute to relationship conflicts, and hinder effective communication.” – (Drlogy, 2024)

There were days where it felt like Riyon had given Wren everything, from constant affectionate touches to whispers of assurance, from the most elaborate gifts to the most time consuming homemade meal, but it still hadn’t been enough.

It was an almost break-up that caused them both to realise that something else was going on inside Wren’s mind.



It was tears streaming down their faces and the way Wren desperately tried to explain that they didn't want to run from everything that caused both Riyon and Wren to realise that this was a situation beyond their control.

Getting Wren to agree to go to a psychiatrist was one of the most difficult steps to getting them help. If Wren couldn’t procrastinate the conversation into eternity then they would completely ignore Riyon, knowing that the moment Riyon caught up to Wren, they would have to take action.



Symptom of Atychiphobia: Prone to procrastination of tasks or activities (Cleverland clinic, 2022)

For the first meeting with the psychiatrist, Wren almost didn’t show up. Riyon had to use every trick in the book to get Wren to follow him to the car and even then they both showed up a little late.



Thankfully, the psychiatrist was a kind lady with great understanding for the situation.





During the session, Riyon remained in the waiting area.



It had been difficult for him to leave Wren when they expressed signs of distress, but the possibility that this might help gave him the strength to let go of their hand and muster an encouraging expression as they walked through the doors.

When finally Wren exited the psychiatrist’s office after the first meeting, their eyes were a little red and swollen but their smile held a little hope.

Wren explained that they and the psychiatrist had agreed on starting with CBT.

The glint in their eyes dimmed slightly when explaining that they had considered Exposure Therapy due to its higher efficiency, but that the psychiatrist had decided against it when noticing Wren's unease with the method.

Riyon had assured that he was sure that the psychiatrist probably didn't mind either method, and Wren had voiced how she, the psychiatrist, had expressed the same.

Aside from Atychiphobia, Wren was also put under investigation for other similar anxiety disorders and behaviours including:



While many of Wren's behaviour fitted in with the suggested symptoms, it was clear after a couple of sessions that the root to these behaviours was Wren's fear.

And while overcoming this fear was doable, the process was long and the steps small.







More times than often, there was a setback. But every time Wren agreed to try again, they were a step further.





In present time, Riyon is glad to say that Wren has improved immensely.

To say that they are “cured” is not the right word. Wren still struggles with failing and still has the constant need to perfect everything they do. Mistakes still leave a large scar on their mind, and sometimes it takes a little longer to put the pieces together, but they continue to try new things and the demons are no longer keeping them from doing what they love.

As long as Wren continues to step out on the ice, Riyon found ever step to today worth it.

And if Riyon embraces Wren at the end of every competition and every show, whispering words of proudness to Wren’s ear without even looking at the scoreboard, then that’s Riyon’s secret.



The End

Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts. – Winston Churchill

Haein Lee's performance of Never Enough 2019

The one who falls and gets up is stronger than the one who never tried. Do not fear failure but rather fear not trying. – Roy T. Benett

Alexandra Trusova's performance of Game of Survival 2020

Those who dare to fail miserably can achieve greatly. – John F. Kennedy

Ilia Malinin's performace of Tout l'univers