To my younger self, Those men don’t own you. You are so much greater than the narcissistic flexologist and the violent firefighter. You are not at fault for their choices. You did not choose to be locked in a small space, nor did you choose to choked and pushed against a wall. You are stronger and more capable than you know. You will blame and shame yourself for years for the way your grades dropped and the weight gained. None of this was your fault, you kept yourself alive… you survived and grew into a wonderful person in spite of the choices of others. I love you, my little… you are precious, pure, and innocent. Love, S