Heartthrob

The story unfolds shortly after high school graduation in a contemporary setting. It follows the transition to adulthood, college pressures, and a volatile romance. The time frame emphasizes youth, impulsivity, and the consequences of obsessive, unhealthy attachment.

The setting centers on a close-knit small town where social expectations and reputations shape the characters' decisions. The MIT campus appears as a gateway to opportunity and prestige that indirectly fuels Henry's ambitions and his need for control. The skating rink where Henry first brings Samantha marks a brief, fragile happiness before the relationship spirals into danger.

🧠 Obsession

Henry's fixation on Samantha grows from infatuation into dangerous possession. He interprets care as control, stalking her moods and limiting her independence. His escalating obsession leads to violent acts, underscoring how love can distort judgment when fueled by insecurity.

💔 Toxic romance

What begins as romance quickly mutates into manipulation and fear. Samantha's independence clashes with Henry's need for certainty and dominance. The relationship exposes the damaging dynamics of loving someone who treats emotions as leverage rather than partnership.

🗝️ Secrets

Behind the surface lie hidden motives, including the truth about Dustin's death and Henry's control over his mother. Samantha discovers Henry's journal, revealing the extent of his delusions and guilt. The revelations force a reckoning with truth and memory long after the relationship ends.