I have a powerful story that completely changed my life forever at the age of 16 years old. I am now realizing how difficult it is to relive these memories that wallow in the back of my mind even as an adult. It is a true story that I've wanted to publish for many years. It will only be in very small snippets... but soon to be developed further. Sending a lot of love to my survivors. This is my (and our) story.
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Childhood memories linger like a forgotten dream. Pouted lips and brown medallion eyes
Reflecting wonders of youthful light. Laughter and play in fathers arms as fishes swam, and dragonflies hovered. Raindrops falling in the heart of August, where bare feet used to splash... Life was never again filled with such joy.
Seasons changed, training wheels off. Mother left and the world grew cool;
betrayed by the hands that once wiped her tears.
Lost and fragile, serpents arose. Whispering dark sonnets and pledge
among the forbidden path that beckoned.
She traded innocence for rebellion, a dollar for a smoke.
Glassy pipes and clouded mirrors.
No more lullabies...
No more novel toys...
No more packed lunches,
No more kisses good night.
The sun that blazed before her eyes, now fell behind the red curtain. Those childhood memories dwindling into the night.
She is awoken by two strangers in her bedroom. Her heart thuds fast.
"We are taking you away... Somewhere far from home. We can do this the easy way or the hard way, what will you choose?" Searching for her phone, it is no where in sight.
Not thinking fast, her hands are clasped behind her back by this strong-armed man.
Daddy cries. Oh what an unwelcome truth... We knew all along.
Say goodbye, goodbye to the world you used to know.
Incesstant cries in the car, feeling complete death... The rudest awakening a young girl can imagine.
Time stretches in that long day of travel. Her tears dry as she peeks out the window, looking at the tall wheats, and corn fields. A new beginning she thought...
Finally arriving, two strange girls and a staff member greet at the door.
"This is your hope buddy, she is going to be your friend for a few days and introduce you to everything you need to know..."
She was taken to a small room for a physical and mental intake.
Cameras, strangers, moldy smells. Lice check, piercings off. Hair pulled back, collared blue top, khaki pants, and slip on shoes.
"Don't look out any windows, they'll think you will run away." ...
She could not imagine getting far with those shoes.
"You write this manual to understand the rules here.", Hope buddy says...
"And you get a consequence if you don't comply... in fact, we will stick you in that isolation room for 24 hours if you do not complete this 80 page manual."
It was the beginning and the end of a new world.
(to be continued...)