TW: abuse, talk of abuse
This one is more of a short story.
s a l e m
✵
"We need to talk." Shiloh's voice comes through the phone. Shiloh and I have been friends since third grade, but we've been best friends since tenth.
"Is everything okay?" I ask, starting to feel worried.
Shiloh's side of the line stays silent for a second. "I don't know. Can I come over in like, ten minutes?" He asks.
"Yeah, of course! Shiloh?"
"Yeah?"
I hesitate for a second. "We'll get through whatever it is together okay? I love you."
"I love you too, Say," he says softly.
Now I'm really worried for my best friend.
✵
I pull Shiloh into my bedroom when he gets here. He goes to my bed, sitting on the edge, waiting for me to sit beside.
"What's up?" I ask him.
He stays silent for a while before he looks me in the eyes; without saying a word, he lifts his shirt over his head, revealing a big bruise across his chest, then he turns around, his back covered in bruises, cuts, and welts. I feel like crying for my best friend, because I didn't notice the signs.
"Why didn't you tell me?" I ask softly, scooting forward and rubbing his arms.
"I thought that if I acted like it didn't matter, then it wouldn't." He says, avoiding eye contact with me. "I didn't want to bother you."
"This matters. This will always matter. You will never bother me, okay? Who did this, Shiloh?"
He bites his lip, holding back tears. I extend my wrist, grabbing his hand. "Trace the letters," I tell him. With a shaking hand, he reaches out his hand, tracing the letters D, A, D. A tear falls from his face, onto his pant leg.
I grab his arm, sliding my fingers in between his.
"You're not alone." I tell him. "You will never be alone. I'm going to talk to my mom, tell her your family needs help. You're not going back. Not now. Not ever."
He looks into my eyes as his fill with more tears.
I lean forward, kissing his forehead.
"We're going to make it through this." I tell him. "Together. He can't hurt you anymore."
2/17/21
If you are in this situation, please, please seek help.
I know it's hard, but you are loved and strong. You can do this.
If no one else has told you lately, I love you and I'm so proud of you. ❤️
There is a Domestic Abuse Hotline. If you search "National Abuse Hotline", you should be able to find it. Or reach out to local places that offer help.
