ng she was dead. Even the teachers and the dormitory mates had forgotten about her when they didn'

the old guava tree behind the dining hall, arms wrapped tightly around her knees, her back trembling with each quiet sob. She had never felt more alone. And then she could hear footsteps . She flinched

something hap

iced it was the same dress she was wearing for over a week, her eyes slightly red. There was something off about her smile- something that didn't quite reach h

mach flipped. "I've noticed you, Anna",he murmured . "You're different. Special. Girls like you.. You need guidance . A man to help you....grow". She blinked, confused. " Sir, I don't understand -. His hand gripped her wrist, very hard. She dropped her notebook. "Don't be afraid"; He whispered, his breath sore with something bitter. "This will make you a woman". She tried to scream, but his palm covered her mouth. " No one will help you", he hissed . "You think they care? They will just call you a liar again". The room spun around her. She kicked, fought screamed into his hand but the walls didnt echo loud enough. And then, darkness, pain and violence. When it was over, She lay on the cold floor, her skirt torn, her soul shredded. He adjusted his tie, calm as a priest after a sermon. "If you tell anyone", he said,

d the

like a wounded animal. She scrubbed her arms furiously , water running, soap lathering, b

up into

e ground and cried unti

rep when Oliv

from tears.She sat on her bunk like a statue , knees dr

."Anna...tell me. What did he do to you?. Anna turned slowly to her, the pain in her eyes unbearable ." He...he raped me" . The words barely came out . A whisper, A wound. Olivia's hand flew to her mouth. "No.."She gasped,shaking her head. " No, No,No...". She wrapped her arms around Anna and held her tightly, rocking her gently as tears streamed down both their cheeks. "I'm so sorry", Olivia whispered. "I'm so, so sorry..". Anna buried her face in her friend's shoulder and cried again,

ut

"He said if i speak up, no one will help me. I W

hung in

."You're right," she said relucta

e. Just... don't tell anyo

ou can't liv

llow. "If I report him, he'll deny it. And I'll be the

ed up again. "God,

bitter smile. "

anyone. I promise. But you have to be careful. Just... avoid

" Anna w

her hand. "And o

ha

ent. "Don't ever ask him questions in

dded si

ke your life hell. You'll keep failing biology

er strongest subjects. And now, she was tra

, her voice barely a breath

hen we bury it. J

ng a secret far too heavy for their age. And outside, life in the boar

hing had

, everything

k of the biology class. Never raised her hand. Never lingered after lectures. If he passed her in

m him sent a chi

wore her sile

ld no reason to question her. But at night, behind closed

tayed with h

secret lea

just beginn