More Happy Than Not

The narrative's shifting between past and present added layers of depth but also kept me guessing about what was real. Did this structure come from a desire to mirror the protagonist's mental state?

The conclusion left me pondering whether the protagonist truly found happiness or just acceptance. What was others' take on the story's message about happiness?

The urban environment and the era felt very authentic and relatable. I'm curious whether the author drew from personal experiences or aimed for a specific atmosphere.