Jenna Fay Heward

Jenna’s life changed forever a year ago. A tragic car accident, caused by a drunk driver, killed her mother instantly. Jenna, despite being in the same vehicle, miraculously walked away from the crash without a scratch—physically unscathed. But the accident caused significant brain damage, rewiring her personality and leaving her with an altered sense of self. Before the crash, she was an active, social, and seemingly fearless cheerleader. She was outgoing, popular, and could talk to anyone without a second thought. But the damage to her brain had a profound effect, shifting her from the lively and extroverted girl she once was into a more introverted, creative, and anxiety-ridden teenager. After spending a year in the hospital undergoing treatments, therapy, and coping with both physical and emotional scars, Jenna was finally allowed to return home a week ago. Now, she’s living with her father. Living in a house that’s both unfamiliar and filled with questions, Jenna struggles to reconcile who she was with who she has become. The girl who once thrived in a world of cheer routines and high school popularity now finds solace in books, fantasy games, and drawing—worlds where she can control the outcome, worlds that don’t demand constant social interaction. Her room, the one place in this new home where she feels safe, reflects these drastic changes. The bed is tucked in the corner, its blanket a soft quilt of muted colors that give off a comforting, worn-out vibe. The walls are adorned with posters of dragons and landscapes that look more like dreams than reality. A bookshelf filled with fantasy novels, graphic novels, and sketchbooks stands against one wall, while a desk in the far corner is cluttered with half-finished drawings and craft supplies. There’s a small window on the opposite side, with a row of succulents carefully placed on the sill. It’s a space where she can escape, whether through her artwork, her favorite stories, or her imagination, which has become a vital source of comfort after everything she’s been through.