"Misery" captures the essence of my hometown, Saint Louis, Missouri, through a photographic documentary lens. As I grew older, I began to recognize a recurring pattern among those who stayed.This became more prevalent once I moved away. Many remained rooted here, never venturing beyond state lines. The pinnacle of excitement revolved around a baseball game or which high school someone attended.The significant religious influence, coupled with a conservative ideology, acts as a tether, hindering Saint Louis from reaching its fullest potential. I have seen people openly embrace their sexuality, only to later retreat back into the closet and turn to religion. While my hometown has a rich history and culture, the undeniable truth remains: Saint Louis is in Missouri.