Unrequited Empathy

Abstract

This thesis presents a YA romance novella titled Unrequited Empathy, set in southeastern coastal North Carolina. The novella follows the perspective of mildly autistic Claire Madeleine West, who is navigating adulthood and new relationships for the first time when her parents send her to Port City University, hoping to find her own identity. Central themes of the novella include neurodivergent representation, campus life, and self-discovery. While awareness around neurodivergent folks has improved greatly, empathy for autistic people remains rare in our society, and so greater awareness and acceptance have now become more crucial than ever. This project is a blend of creative passion and scholarly ambition, arguing that empathy is a tool for human solidarity and empowerment.