I (42M) work in photo development. I've kept to myself for the most part. I was born with a cleft palate and grew up being mocked and ridiculed. Left to rot with my grandmother who wiped my mouth. I spent years hiding physically and emotionally. Most people don't look at me. When they do, they flinch.

A few months ago, I found HIM. I found inspiration for my new form in this painting - The Great Red Dragon and the Woman Clothed with the Sun. I can't explain it. but it speaks to me, It's like i'm meant to become something else, stronger, freer. Not Francis Dolarhyde anymore.

I was only trying to get them to see what I see. To see what I am becoming--that I am ascending. My work- my ceremonies- they are part of this metamorphosis. The Tabloids call them murders but that word is absurd! They were offerings. . . rituals of blood and light. . . flesh and evolution.

I met someone recently. She's kind, and she sees me in a way no one else has. I thought MAYBE that could save me but its hard to silence the dragon. She smiled and I thought perhaps maybe she could stop the dragon from taken over. Francis is dying.

I wanted to help them I really did but they wouldn't listen. They wouldn't learn, and that is why they had to be transformed.

So reddit be honest:

AITA for destroying Francis Dolarhyde so that the Dragon may live?