He sat and braided my hair while I leaned into him. He was always such a gentleman. He was the type that lifted me up when I was down, he caught me when I fell. He looked at me like I was the most beautiful thing he’s ever seen. His fingers brushed my pale cheeks and he pressed his lips against mine, smiling like always. I fell into his chest and he held me so tight. I thought I was safe with him ...

I remember being a little girl, walking this path on the way home from school. Everyday, the bus dropped me off just on the other side, and I’d race home to tell them all about my day. Them. The only word I can even think to use to describe the people who raised me. I’m 18 now and sitting in the back of a cop car, tears soaking the collar of my shirt. I didn’t do anything wrong, but it feels like ...