Content Warning
Camilo was born into an affluent French–Chilean family. His mother was a gentle and affectionate person, while his father struggled with alcoholism and was abusive toward her. During Camilo’s childhood, one of their confrontations ended in his mother’s death. His father fled the country shortly afterward and was never found.
Camilo was placed under the care of his maternal aunt. Although she supported him financially and attempted to provide him with stability, he chose to live independently at a relatively young age. His living expenses were covered through his mother’s inheritance, his own savings and a monthly allowance from his aunt.
At seventeen, shortly before graduating from secondary school, Camilo met Xing at an end-of-year social event. Camilo nearly decided not to attend. At the time, he had very few friends and found social interaction extremely difficult, although he desperately wanted to form a meaningful connection with someone.
Xing appeared friendly, understanding and socially confident. His attention made Camilo feel accepted, and over the following year the two became increasingly close. They eventually began a relationship, and Camilo moved into Xing’s home.
Once they began living together, Xing gradually revealed a controlling and manipulative side. He repeatedly undermined Camilo’s confidence, isolated him and sabotaged his attempts to maintain independence. The relationship deteriorated over the course of two years.
Because of Xing’s influence and control over his life, Camilo never attended university when he was younger. Many years later, he eventually resumed his studies at a less prestigious institution. Although the education he received was not of the same quality he might otherwise have pursued, he still managed to earn a provisional qualification.
Camilo finally left when Xing’s behavior escalated into physical violence. Refusing to remain trapped in the same cycle of abuse that had shaped his childhood became the point at which he decided to escape.
Camilo returned to his aunt’s home after leaving Xing. The aftermath of the relationship left him severely anxious, socially withdrawn and fearful of other people. He spent much of the following period isolated and rarely left the house.
At his aunt’s insistence, he began attending therapy. Although initially resistant, he gradually recovered enough independence to begin going outside and interacting with others again. By the age of twenty-one, he had made considerable progress, though he remained guarded, defensive and emotionally reactive.
