Words Of Comfort

Words Of Comfort is a standalone drama by former forum member Lem, published on 3rd October 2013. It used an experimental format which combined scripted dialogue with non-verbal prose, and internet chatspeak.
It follows the story of 17yo cancer sufferer Harry Louis Winters and his mother, Coleen Winters, as they come to terms with his terminal diagnosis.
Initially the narrative focuses on him and Coleen coming to terms with the news. Later, the story changes focus and becomes more about his online life. He reads a message from his best friend Jase on a fictional website called ChatSpace (presumably similar to something like MySpace), before closing the tab. He then begins to type the url address of a fictional cancer support website called Branch Out. Once he has filled out the site's prerequisite form, he gets a message from - and starts candidly engaging with - another user called WonderlandAlice. The two have a great deal in common and enjoy chatting daily for several weeks. However, things go quiet and Alice does not come online for a long time. His worst fears are confirmed - her death - when her account becomes deactivated.
The drama ends with a twist: Harry is stood sobbing over a grave, presumably the grave of WonderlandAlice. However, Coleen is also crying in the background. He turns to face her and smiles before fading away - it is actually his grave and he is now a spirit.
==Reception==
The project received universal acclaim for its originality, sesnitivity and realistic dialogue.
==Awards==
At WRIXAS 7, on 21st February 2014, Words Of Comfort won two accolades:
*Best Drama Male (Harry Winters) - Shortlist stage
*Best Drama Plot (Harry's Cancer Battle) - Longlist stage