I'm sure you all have seen the news the last few months, mass shooting after mass shooting in America.

I originally wrote the first draft of this episode on February 13th, 2018.

The next day, the Parkland shooting occurred.

I shelved the case for the time being.

The timing didn't seem right.

I planned to release this episode on Friday, May 24th. But on May 18th,

long after I had finished editing, the shooting in Santa Fe occurred. I came to the very sad

realization that there will never be a good time to release any episode that regards such a widely

debated and sensitive topic. I'm sticking to this

release date in the hopes that those who choose to listen will understand that I am not looking to play

off of the tragedy of others. I cover all my topics with the intention of trying to comprehend why

crimes occur. I do my best to regard each victim and those affected by said crimes

with the utmost respect, something that I hope is conveyed in all of the episodes of the

apex and the abyss. Please be fully aware that the following episode contains graphic

descriptions and audio that may be upsetting to some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.

I've talked about my high school experience before. It was nothing to write home about,

honestly. I look back on it as an enjoyable time, but it wasn't the highlight of my life.

Not like it is for some people.

You know who I'm talking about, the people who seem to never actually leave high school,

even decades after the fact. Despite the normal doldrums and annoyances of school, I did have a good time during my four years. The only thing about my school,

which is in all girls high school, by the way,

is that it's big on camaraderie, school spirit, sisterhood.

...