***Please be aware that the story below includes themes of sexual violence, which may be disturbing to some readers. The author has drawn from elements of their own real-life experiences and has utilised storytelling as a means of therapeutic expression.***
Kate reflected on the disturbing things she had witnessed in her life as she gazed at the flickering flames of the wood fire. Finding solace in its warmth and with Bella peacefully asleep upstairs, Kate settled back in her chair, unwinding before bedtime. Savoring her red wine, she allowed her thoughts to wander freely. It had become a nightly routine for Kate to take a moment before retiring, whether with coffee, wine, or a refreshing drink in hand, to sit quietly and decompress from the day's chaos, ensuring a peaceful night's rest. This practice had become a cherished part of her routine. After setting down her glass and nestling back into the chair, Kate closed her eyes and breathed deeply, her heart quickening as memories flooded back. As she shifted in her seat, she wrapped herself tighter in her blanket, feeling vulnerable. A sudden noise from above, followed by Bella's cries, snapped her out of her reverie. Rising to her feet, she doused the fire and headed upstairs. Kate had been aware of Bella's vivid dreams for some time, often leading to her falling out of bed. Upon reaching Bella's room, she could hear her daughter's soft sobs. Gently pushing the door open, she found Bella sitting with her arms wrapped around her legs. Approaching her, Bella stood up, reaching out for a comforting embrace. Without a word, Kate joined Bella in bed, holding her close as they both found solace and drifted off to sleep in each other's arms.
She walked home, after meeting friends at her favourite coffee shop, not too far away. Moving her eyes around the streets with each step, she smiled. She felt great, her heart pumping with excitement, a different country, new friends, new places to see and visit, new parts of herself she discovered each day. Moving abroad was the right choice.
After midnight, she had said goodbye to her friends not long ago, and had taken a brief bus ride towards her home. Getting off the bus, she was strolling along the familiar streets nearby home when she felt like she was being watched. With each step, her heart raced faster as a sense of dread replaced the earlier good feeling. Glancing back over her shoulder, she spotted two men approaching her. Looking ahead and checking her watch, it was almost 1am. Maybe, like her, they were just heading home after a night out. She tried to calm her nerves, maintaining her pace and focusing straight ahead, her ears alert. Taking deep breaths to compose herself, she realised she was only four blocks away from her apartment. Suddenly, she heard footsteps approaching rapidly from behind. "RUN," she thought, breaking into a sprint herself. Glancing back, she saw the two men closing in, about five meters away, their eyes fixed on her - two men chasing a woman down the street. Fear gripped her like a vice. "Where is everyone?" she wondered. "It's a warm summer evening, shouldn't there be people around at this hour?" Gathering her courage, she swung her arm around, feeling the strength of women worldwide within her, and her fist met one of the men's right eye: it was blue. Surprised by the punch, he momentarily loosened his grip, giving her the chance to break free and flee. Wide-eyed, she searched for anyone on the street or peering out of windows, but found no one. "Help me, please, anyone, help," she screamed at the top of her lungs, running for her life. Fueled by adrenaline, heart pounding in her chest, she resisted the urge to look back, repeating to herself, "Keep running." Confusion and shock clouded her mind. What was happening? What did they want from her? Where could she go?
As their footsteps echoed closer behind her, she could hear their urgent breaths. Thinking she was making progress turning a corner, one of the men grabbed her from behind, while the other pulled her close, covering her mouth to stifle her scream. In that moment, her heart skipped a beat. Her eyes darted around frantically, seeking help. Fear consumed her like a raging fire. Seeing it in their eyes, she realised their intentions. "Fight," she urged herself, kicking, pulling, and pushing with all her might to break free, to defend herself. Her screams were muffled behind his hand. Dragging her into a nearby garden, they tore at her clothes with rough, calloused hands, their hungry eyes scanning every inch of her exposed skin. One restrained her arms, while the other immobilised her legs, unable to move or scream, all she could hear were their grunts and the smell the alcohol on their breath as they took what they desired from her body.
Afterward ...
As she opened her eyes, she frantically scanned her surroundings, but relief washed over her when she realised she was alone. Uncertain of how much time had passed, she started assessing her body - what had happened to her? Where had they gone? Running her hands over the remnants of her clothing, her heart sank as the truth dawned on her. Every fiber of her being ached, tears streaming down her face. "I'm still here, they didn't end me," she murmured, "they just took what they wanted and fled." Unable to utter a sound, her voice hoarse, she reached for her tattered clothes and let out a silent scream of agony; she felt broken.
She moved slowly towards the nearest police station, unsure of how she managed to get there. Upon arrival, she was taken to the local hospital where both the police officers and hospital staff showed her great kindness and care. A report was filed, samples were taken, and she was given the opportunity to shower and change into the clothes they provided. Additionally, she received the morning-after pill as a precaution. While at the hospital, she had a conversation with a specialised counselor who offered guidance on how to process her experience, and move forward.
Six weeks later ...
Despite living through such a horrible experience, she remained strong and focused on what she could do in the moment, and every day after that, determined to overcome the experience and not be defined as a victim. Instead, she was resolved to create a future filled with love and joy. One morning, after a restless night, she sat on the edge of her bed and pondered, "What should I do?" With her hand on her abdomen, she felt a wave of fear as she realised she was pregnant.
As Kate stirred awake, she slowly opened her eyes and realised she was still cradling Bella; they had slept in that position all night. Reluctant to move, she drew Bella closer to her. Reflecting on her dream, Kate took a deep breath, acknowledging that the dream was now only a memory. However, she was grateful for her resilience in overcoming it. Glancing down at Bella, she planted a gentle kiss on her sleeping baby girl, reassured that she had made the right decision.
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