Dream big, they say. Shoot for the stars. Then they lock us away for 12 years and tell us where to sit, when to pee and what to think. Then we turn 18, and even though we've never had an original thought, we have to make the most important decision of our lives. And if you don't have the money and don't really have the grades, a lot of the decision gets made for you.
— I love you, Hannah.
— Why didn't you say this to me when I was alive?
Life is unpredictable...and control is just an illusion. And sometimes all that unpredictability is overwhelming. And it makes us feel small and powerless.
I needed a change. I needed to be someone new. Have you ever felt like that? I wasn't going to be invisible anymore. I was going to start brand new. I was going to cut away the past...and leave it all behind. I was going to work harder. Be smarter. And be stronger. Because you can't change other people, but you can change yourself.
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram... they've made us a society of stalkers.
The popular kids are always mean. That's how they get popular.
Hey, it's Hannah. Hannah Baker. That's right. Don't adjust your... whatever device you're hearing this on. It's me, live and in stereo. No return engagements, no encore, and this time, absolutely no requests. Get a snack. Settle in. Because I'm about to tell you the story of my life. More specifically, why my life ended. And if you're listening to this tape...you're one of the reasons why.
Friendship. It's complicated. But don't worry. You won't go through this alone. That's not fun. Trust me. I've been there. Now, it won't always be easy. It might even hurt a bit. Or a bit more than a bit. That depends on you. But fear not, we'll get through this. Step by step, tape by tape. You and me. Together. And don't forget... there are others.
— F. M. L. forever.
— F. M. L. forever.
— F. M. L. forever.
Little did I know you would F. my L. forever. Little did I know you would be my hurricane.
Welcome back. So glad you're still listening. Are you having fun? You must be wondering who's next, and why. Is it you? What did you do? How did you end up on these tapes? Maybe you did something cruel. Or maybe you just watched it happen. Maybe you didn't even realize you were being cruel. Maybe you didn't do anything at all. And maybe you should have. Too late. I think you know exactly what you did. And after these tapes, you'll never forget it. I know I won't. Oh, and, uh, by the way... I'm still dead.
