Title: The Tender Ache of Healing: A Creative Critique of Inksteady’s “Dosage of Serotonin” Introduction Inksteady’s Dosage of Serotonin is a Wattpad novel that floats between aching vulnerability and subtle hope, written with poetic prose and emotional depth. Known for romanticizing pain and healing in equal measure, Inksteady presents a narrative centered on emotionally bruised characters searching for meaning, love, and healing in a world that often offers none. For this paper, I will use the Reader-Response Approach to reflect how the text connects—or disconnects—with readers on an emotional and psychological level. Summary Dosage of Serotonin follows the life of Rovina Desamero, a hardworking psychiatrist who appears to have it all together. However, behind her strong image is a young woman struggling with emotional trauma, anxiety, and the pressure of being her family's main source of support. Her family does not recognize her efforts or her pain, which makes her feel invisible and unloved. The story changes when Rovina crosses paths with Calix Fujimoto, her first love. Their unexpected reunion brings back painful memories but also opens the door to healing. As they slowly rebuild their connection, Rovina starts to confront her inner demons and allows herself to be vulnerable. The book discusses mental health, emotional abuse, depression, and healing in a way that many Filipino readers can understand and relate to. Conclusion Dosage of Serotonin succeeds in being an emotional mirror, particularly for those who seek comfort in sad but beautiful words. While the story occasionally stumbles in pacing and depth of plot, it thrives in its emotional truth and lyrical vulnerability. It is not a story for every reader, but it is a sanctuary for some—a soft place to land when the world is too loud.