To Die Is Gain

The end of the road is only the beginning.

Luke Phillips has finally reached a breaking point at the age of forty-three.

Living in Losanti, Ohio, he juggles a dead-end job, self-medicated mental illness, and the lingering shadow of an unfulfilled life. Divorced and haunted by past mistakes, particularly the heartbreak he caused decades ago, he feels trapped by his overbearing parents and the haunting comparison to his successful brother, Trey.

A lifeline emerges in the form of Paul Chu, Luke’s old friend, whose own life has been shattered by past indiscretions. After a phone call interrupts Luke's darkest moment, their reunion sparks an impromptu road trip filled with laughter, nostalgia, and unexpected adventures.

Along the journey, they confront their demons, seek redemption, and grapple with the painful realities of their pasts together.

However, as their adventure unfolds, fate delivers a harsh and cruel blow.

Facing adversity, Luke must summon the courage to reclaim not just his life but also the love he lost. In a tale of friendship, redemption, and self-discovery, he embarks on a quest to transform his life and finally break free from his demons.

Can Luke emerge from the shadows of his past to embrace a future filled with possibility?

CW: suicidal ideation/attempted suicide, allusions to domestic violence and child abuse, death (non-violent), toxic religion, homophobia, racism, substance abuse, graphic depictions of mental illness, graphic sexual situations