
The ending makes me so sad, but I love the writing so much. It’s so real. Not everyone gets a happy ending.

Exactly. Fact is that we're all too used to fictional happy endings. And indeed, this is the reason we read fiction, to escape reality. So, it is always jarring when authors choose "not-so-happy" endings. But, I think when you read fiction with an open mind, endings like this are easier on the heart.
And Dan, how can anyone in that type of environment trust you when you’re too timid to even speak up for yourself?