From Darkness to Dawn

Authors

• Ayesha Jaaz Siddiqui, University of Alabama at Birmingham

Advisor(s)

James Braziel

Committee Member(s)

Adam Vines
Kerry Madden-Lunsford

School

College of Arts and Sciences

Document Type

Thesis

Department (new version)

Arts & Humanities

Date of Award

9-9-2024

Abstract

At Springdale University, Sophie stands on the edge of a rooftop, haunted by the day her world shattered. Just as she begins to navigate her grief and the pain that lingers in her heart, her path crosses with Asher's. Asher—Springdale’s sports star perpetually in the spotlight, especially with girls—and Sophie—the class topper who shuns attention—never imagined they'd be paired for tutoring. Yet, their professor’s decision sets them on an unexpected journey. Asher carries a burden that has always been exclusive to him, but not anymore. When his mother, who once abandoned him when he was 8 years old, returns to his life, Asher must face his biggest fears headstrong. With Jason, Megan and Sophie by his side, he is forced to overcome his demons and make a decision to either forgive his mother or abandon her just as she once abandoned him. His father, on the other hand, is a drug addict and alcoholic, is in and out of jail, leaving Asher to fend for himself from a young age. He has learned not to rely on anyone, as those he depended on before only hurt and abandoned him. Meanwhile, Sophie still wrestles with the unsettled trauma in her life. She needs to learn to forgive herself and make peace with her stepbrother's demise. She needs to become the person she once was that now seems completely alien to her. With Asher by her side, she needs to learn to lean on her friends—Asher, Megan, and Jason, and in the process find healing. As they begin to unexpectedly fall in love, Asher fears his past and complicated family dynamics might push Sophie away. He dreads the thought of Sophie judging him for his father’s actions and the potential of him following in his father’s footsteps, while Sophie fears getting hurt again if she allows herself to become attached to someone or worse—lose someone she loves, again. When their misconceptions and fears collide, they need to find a way to trust each other, casting aside the darkness and allowing the light to shine through. Together, they need to navigate a course from darkness to dawn.

ProQuest ID

https://proquest.com/docview/3101853849