This poetry collection is an adventure through adolescence, spiraling through the highs and lows of a creative. From first proclaimations of love to eternal farewells to loved ones, the range of relationship-driven thoughts is splashed upon each page. True human experience and emotion are broken into seven parts, forming a cohesive and relatable whole. Behind each title resides an endless and thrashing fear of being alone. The intricate writing is accompanied by passionate doodles that add context and bring these stories to life. Ultimately, at its core, this is a healing journey of self-expression, confession, and validation.

I, Author and Illustrator Samantha Johnson, am elated to introduce you to my first book (AKA my pride and joy)! I have been immersed in the creative process of The Perpetual Fear of Ending Up Alone for roughly twelve years, and finally releasing it feels extremely surreal. One of the few constants in my ever-changing twenty-two years of life has been knowing I always wanted to write, illustrate, and publish a book. As a child in a rural Massachusetts town, I developed a passion for art quite quickly, but it wasn't until I grew older that I realized the many forms art can take. When I discovered my love for writing, my world shifted because I had stumbled across my perfect coping mechanism. I've spent much of my time writing, drawing, and generally creating, and every second has been therapeutic beyond belief. My hope with releasing this collection into the world is that others may acquire comfort in knowing they are not alone. I hope creatives like me find inspiration in my words and doodles, as I have in theirs, and that my healing journey can bring healing to a part of each person who decides to pick up this wonderful compilation of emotions. To anyone who decides to choose this book, thank you for letting me have a slice of your precious time, for helping me open this bottle I've kept sealed for so many years, and for making my dream come true.