Honestly this strikes a chord with me, in a way that has prompted physical reaction. My eyes are now tearing up, for the first time in a quite some time. See, a few years ago, things were not going well for me, I was miserable, and the situation was similar to what the story described. I felt betrayed by friends, enemies were acting up, and I was becoming more repressed, even around my family. I illustrated some of this, the more melancholy parts in the poem I wrote for the Christmas contest. TRiPPY, you know this more than anyone, as I sent an explanation for the poem as well (that wasn't included, to my mild surprise). Back then, I wrote to release, unwind, and bring back memories of good times. It was an escape.
Luckily, most of that is behind me, but not enough that this didn't resonate with me. It's style reminds me of how I wrote, when I used to write (I'm not sure I have the strength to write much anymore, due to what it brings back now). Particularity the "Hell and back" bit. That's actually very similar to something I wrote in a piece, years ago.
Anyway, time to stop sounding melodramatic, and actually tell you how good it is.
As I've mentioned the writing is spot on, and almost has a "noir" feel to it. It conveys all the right emotions, and senses. Really makes me kick myself for not reading any of your other work yet. Art is superb, as always, and I loved the vectorized look when you drew the game. There's not really much else to be said, I just hope you can continue to do this (I'm in no rush though, and you shouldn't be either).
Finally, and again, thank you for making something so beautiful, in every way.
(alright, now I can get away with not posting for awhile!)