Dear you,

We dated for almost two years. I wanted you so badly, just like I’ve
wanted many things in life. And as is human nature, once I had you I
wanted more. I think I knew our relationship was deteriorating that day
when we were lying in bed and you got really mad because I flinched when
you touched me. It wasn’t the flinching that bothered you, it was that you
knew I was scared of you. I remember you got up and didn’t talk to me for
a long time, and I was really scared. I knew I should leave, but I was
scared to be alone.

The night that you raped me will always stick out in my mind, even though
I think you maybe have pushed it out of your mind by now. I always
wondered why you didn’t kill me when you had the chance. I know now that
it is because I was put here to do great things. I fell off the path but I
am going to be successful. You knew I was hurt as a child and you hurt me
too, but it’s okay. I forgive you. I just want you to know that.

I was talking to a boy and I told him about you. He was shocked that I
don’t hate you, and I really don’t. This life is too short to be full of
hate, and I want you to know that. You were always so angry. Don’t be. He
was shocked that I could ever forgive you. I will never forget it, because
you hurt me deeply. I don’t trust anyone. But I want you to know that I am
working towards being happy and I want you to do the same. I’m sorry about
the way things ended and I want to tell you this in person but it’s just
not safe.

Please do something good with your life. You owe it to yourself. Please be
happy. I am.

-Ellen, Age 18