LEE EMMA - Hidden Heartbreak

Hidden Heartbreak copyright 2018 by Emma Lee. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of reprints in the context of reviews.

Andrews McMeel Publishing
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1130 Walnut Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106

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ISBN: 97 - - 5248-5187-3

Library of Congress Control Number: 2018945141

Editor: Allison Adler
Art Director/Designer: Julie Barnes
Production Editor: Margaret Utz
Production Manager: Carol Coe

Digital Production: Kristen Minter

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to my parents, for teaching me resilience;

to my family and friends; and to everyone who has ever nursed a broken heart,

including you, Birdshirt

Its happened to all of us: You encounter someone and feel a powerful connection. Maybe its someone youve had a weakness for your whole life, or maybe its someone youre meeting for the very first time. Colors look brighter; your face is permanently plastered with a smile; your heart is on fire every minute of the day.

Maybe this feeling lasts for a few weeks, months, or even years. You remain euphoric, giddily floating through love songs, savoring every note and word, convinced that you have found The One. And then, out of nowhere, the record screeches to a halt: The One doesnt feel the same way. They feel stifled and need to focus on themselves. They have emotional walls that cant be broken down. They love you but theyre not in love with you.

How could that be possible? Didnt they say there was magic between the two of you? Didnt they love discussing art, music, and writing with you? Werent they just telling you about that vacation they wanted to take together six months from now?

Ive been theremore than onceand Im here to help. My art therapy journey began when the man I thought was the love of my life confessed that he couldnt love me. Much as a writer might use a journal to process their emotions, I decided to use the medium I knew bestdrawingto deal with my grief and humiliation. Through introspection, acceptance, and most importantly, laughter, I hoped my art would help me move on.

But what began as a solitary journey soon became something much more. One day, partially out of a thirst for empathy and, lets be honest, partially out of spite, I posted a few of my drawings on Instagram. The response was immediate, and my few little drawings quickly turned into hundreds of vulnerable, emotional, and sometimes cringe-worthy cartoons that resonated with thousands of people. Everyone has had their heart broken; what better medicine is there than to connect with others who are experiencing the same misfortune?

I hope my comics will make you laugh, cry, and emphatically think, Me too! I hope I can show you that beyond empathy, humor, and time, the best medicine for a broken heart is a reminder of your resilience, strength, and ability to rise. But most importantly, I hope my art will help you heal, the way creating this art helped heal me.

the courtship: the initial spark is irresistible

It starts off innocently, and perhaps thats part of the draw. The first touch, a shared giggle, an out-of-the-blue Instagram like. Something inside of your heart awakens, and you suddenly cant remember what it felt like to make it through a day without that exhilarating, intoxicating feelingthe initial rush of infatuation, from a magnetic conversation to the dizziness of a first kiss. Ive always been one to follow my heart, and oh, the places my heart has taken me!

if you say so.

that addictive ping-pong match.

I dont analyze, I idealize.

a very loaded question.

I hope you offer good benefits.

pump it up.

a chemical kind of art.

you always had a good eye.

but it was still perfect.

nothing can possibly go wrong.

one little ping and my whole mood swings.

must. buy. every. color.

what does it all mean?

confident and stubborna winning combination.

worship every inch.

I didnt need much with you.