When I saw Sarah again, she was so thin. The
school uniform was so big on her, it was like
the wind could blow her away.
She took me to the supply closet. I didn’t
know what she wanted.
As I was about to ask, she began taking off
her clothes. I tried to stop her, but I was
frozen by the sight of her new and old scars,
and by the red mark on her chest.
I remembered the rumors about her at school,
and about that man who should not have
been in her bedroom.
I was so sad. That girl with the bright eyes
that held the whole world, was struggling in
such a dark and horrible place.
Her distance suddenly made sense.
I knew it took so much courage to tell me
this. I tried to stay calm as I put her jacket on
her, waiting for her to gather herself. I
watched her leave, and I wanted her to know
<
that I was there for her.
I thought about how I had been so selfish,
telling her to study harder. I had never asked
her why she was getting so thin. I wanted to
help her break free, but would she want to be
with me?
I wasn’t sure.
