• I wake up, and when the sleep finally leaves my senses, I realize I am nude. My eyes widen and my face feels hot with tears. The only word I think burns my mind. I look at the room around me remembering where I am, I notice my clothes strewn about the room as if they were rags. I slowly put my clothes on and notice the side of my skirt ripped.

    I gather all the courage I can and walk out of the house. When I get home no one is there. I contemplate on burning my party clothes but can't even stand touching them again after changing. I eye my phone as if it will give me answers. I finally pick it up and call 911, "State your emergency," says a nasally voice.

    I can barely think the word, it burns my throat just trying, "I believe I have been...r-raped." I stutter the evil word.

    "What is your address?" I ramble off the address to the woman, "Okay the ambulance will be over shortly. Did the rape occur at the address given?"

    I cringe as she says the evil four-letter word, "No, it happened at..." I name the address of the house I woke up in.

    "Okay, have you taken a shower?"

    "No," I say.

    "When you get to the hospital and they will issue a rape kit," That four-letter word makes my eyes burn. I hear the wails of the ambulance several minutes later, I tell the woman then hang up. The ride to the hospital is pure torture, the EMTs constantly say the word and ask questions. I answer them even though it hurts. When we reach the hospital they escort me to the emergency room. A female doctor with brown hair and green eyes tends to me. She gets as much DNA as possible.

    When I am released they ask if there is anyone who can bring me home. I shake my head and take the bus. Automatically, I think they know. I get off the bus and walk the rest of the way home. I get into the shower disgusted at myself for letting it happen. I cry as I scrub my skin raw. I can't even look at myself in the mirror. I constantly think dad knows about it. I rummage through the bathroom drawers and find my savior. I let it bite deep into my wrist watching the ruby pool free me from my secret.

    "DAWN!" I hear through the darkness.

    I wake up tubes in me and beeping in my ear. I open my eyes and see dad, he looks older than he is, when he sees my eyes open he asks, "Dawn, why did you do it?"

    My eyes well up and spill, "It's a secret...."

    Two years later, he asks putting the paper down, "Dawn, you finally ready to tell me your secret?"

    I turn from the baby and look at him, "They all knew..." I start my story.