(AKA the Q&A that nobody asked for)

Hello hello! Time for some fun pieces of story info that I wanted to share <3 

What inspired this story?

As a bi girl I sometimes wonder if I would be limiting myself in a monogamous relationship (I'm happy in my current one, don't get me wrong). So how would a story go with more people and more genders? That's basically how FITN was born, as a way to experience something through fictional others. 

Why does Evy have Autism? In what ways is it portrayed?

Even though autism is more and more understood and getting (somewhat) accepted, there's still sometimes the idea that it only happens to boys and that the person doesn't function at all in society. I wanted to have a character that even though she feels different and doesn't know why, still gets to live her life to the fullest. 

For Evy the things that she has most trouble with is making connections on her own (in this story Evy is basically led into the friendship by Liv) and sometimes getting overwhelmed with impressions or emotions and in turn having a hard time dealing with it other than crying. 

Know that Autism can be different for everybody and the intensity might vary too. Sometimes it doesn't even get noticed until well into adulthood (like with me) because it's so subtle.  

Why a relationship of four? Why not three, or five or more?

I think four makes a rather equal relationship, everybody has options and would feel better included. Obviously all realitionships are different and what works for one, won't work for the other. If I would introduce more characters to Evy (as relationship material) she would probably get really overwelmed (I personally would), plus writing would become hell, lol.  

What's their relationship dynamics / 'roles'?

While every relationship is different, in this story I wanted to give my characters rather clear roles. There are different ways to love, and I wanted for Evy to experience that. 

In this case Liv (I connected her to the winter) is like a mother to Evy, giving her the comfort she needs in difficult times. Jamie (spring) is the free spirit of the group and shows her that it's okay to be yourself and love others the way you want, free of needless rules that others try to impose on you and limit you. And lastly Evan (summer) is basically the 'brains' and a grounding force. That no matter what happened in the past, it doesn't need to define you in the present or the future.  

Evy is portrayed as autumn, a season of letting go and getting ready to stand back up and grow. Even through all the ugly of decay, there's beauty in the fading sun and the promise of clean white snow.

What's up with all the rituals?

Yes, plural, there will be more! I'm just a sucker for them, haha! I used to be into Wicca, but though I don't practice anymore, I still like to carry a bit of magic with me, whether that's in my favourite gemstone (lapiz lazuli) or in a little personal ritual. I think it can also be a great way to enhance the focus on what you're doing and convey  your feelings/intentions when words fail.

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And that's it! Thank you all for supporting this story (and my other stories, check them out in my profile if you haven't yet!) and I hope to write many more chapters <3