It's only a sure defeat when you stop trying.

their heart grew cold
they let their wings down

No one gives up on something until it turns on them, whether or not that thing is real or unreal.

There could be no honor in a sure success, but much might be wrested from a sure defeat.

In 2007, I sold my first book, 'Grimspace.' It says it's SF on the spine. I believe it to be SF, though it's certainly written differently. I write in first person, present tense, and the protagonist is a woman with a woman's thoughts, feelings, and sexual desires.

I knew exactly how he felt because I had walked in his shoes, wary and distrustful, unable to believe anybody could care about me without asking for something in return.