There is so much going on in our world that it’s led me to have flashbacks about a certain individual, on a certain night. After several days of trying to just move past it, and ignore the pain, I have decided to do what I feel led to. Here is a sick story, with a very important lesson at the end.

When I was a little girl, my family and I went to stay with another family for a bit. This family had been around in my parent’s lives longer than I had been. They were trusted individuals, and loved by us all. The man of the house, we’ll call Him D, for demon, paid special attention to me. He called me his favorite, he tickled me, but until one particular night, he never made me nervous. I adored him.

One night, I was in a bedroom, on the floor getting ready for bed. It was just me in there at the time. D came in, left the door open, and knelt beside me. He started commenting on how developed I was, and touching me over my clothes. He looked at me like a predator does right before devouring their prey. I knew what he wanted, and I was terrified. I can still feel the terror from that night to this very day. It’s ingrained in my body. He eventually got up, but when he did, he put his fist in such a way that he was touching my vagina, over my clothes.

I can’t remember if he told me he was coming back, or if I just knew. What I do remember is that as soon as he was gone, I ran into my parents’ room. I remember sobbing, and being terrified. I was angry, too. This person was supposed to be safe. He violated me in more ways than one. My parents wrapped me up in their arms. They kept me safe. They believed me. They took a stand against those who didn’t. And this is where the lesson is. Be the safe place. If my parents hadn’t made sure I knew I could come to them and they would believe me and keep me safe, I know exactly what would have happened that night. That monster would have raped me. There is not a single doubt in my entire being. My parents saved me. Be that safety net for your children, your grandchildren, nieces, nephews, whoever it may be. Make sure those innocent beings around you know you love them, you will believe them, and you will keep them safe. No matter what.