Now that you've decided things for me,
I've got a lot of it. In the mornings, I wake up early just to sit around till it's okay to leave. After school, I go straight home to sit and think. In classes, I find the minutes tick by slower than they would if you were texting me. All of this newfound free time makes me aware of just how lonely I am, just how stupid this whole thing was, just how much I don't need you, even if I feel like I do, and just how much I need to love me first. So, in some twisted disturbed way, I guess I should thank you. "For what?" For confirming to me just how messed up the world is, for helping me build my walls back up, for taking my virginity like some trophy to flash for all to see, for making me numb to others, for breaking me. I thank you for this because I know that I will eventually get stronger. This experience will help shape me into a better me. |
The editors were impressed with the poignant, empowering message of becoming a stronger person after an abusive relationship. We also appreciated the depiction of the passage of time, and many other pieces we accepted this year contained this element. Kyla is a 12th grade student at Bellevue East Senior High School.