Without Merit

01The Dysfunctional Voss Family

The Voss family, an eccentric ensemble of individuals, dwells within the confines of a repurposed church in a quaint little town. The church, with its peculiar architecture and kaleidoscopic stained glass windows, mirrors the family's unconventional nature. Amidst this colorful chaos, Merit Voss, the middle child, often finds herself feeling like a stranger in her own home. She is a silent spectator, her thoughts and feelings often lost in translation, and she bears the heavy burden of her undisclosed secrets. The Voss family is a labyrinth of intricate relationships. Merit's mother, a ghost of her former self, resides in the basement, alienated from the rest of the family. Meanwhile, her father's new wife, who also bears the name Victoria, shares their living space. Merit's older brother, Utah, and her identical twin sister, Honor, each harbor their own peculiarities and secrets, contributing to the family's chaotic dynamic. Merit's world takes an unexpected turn when she encounters Sagan, who she mistakenly believes to be her stepbrother. She finds herself drawn to him, her heart fluttering at his mere presence. However, her feelings remain unreciprocated due to the convoluted nature of their family ties. This unfulfilled love, combined with the weight of her concealed secrets, amplifies Merit's feelings of solitude and desolation. As the narrative progresses, Merit's secrets begin to unravel, exposing the profound depth of her internal struggles. She wrestles with her burgeoning feelings for Sagan, her strained relationship with her family, and her own mental health. The converted church, once a symbol of their idiosyncrasy, morphs into a metaphor for the family's concealed secrets and unresolved issues. In the midst of this turmoil, Merit must navigate the labyrinth of her life, confronting her fears and insecurities. She must learn to understand her family's eccentricities, accept her feelings for Sagan, and most importantly, confront her own demons. The story of Merit Voss is a testament to the complexity of human nature, the intricacies of relationships, and the power of self-discovery.