Flowing Rhythm

13

It feels like a cruel joke to wish that everything that happened last night was just a dream. But as unlucky as I am in life, I still woke up.

The first thing I felt was the pain all over my body, and the sight of blood on the sheets. I don't think I'll ever forget what happened last night. My whole being is ruined. I couldn't think of anything else but to cry from the pain and anger.

I couldn't bring myself to leave my room because I was scared something might happen again. I felt even more hopeless when I realized I was alone in the house. It looked like uncle really left after he raped me. I should be happy that he's gone—but now, no one will help me.

How can I stand on my own feet again when he already crippled me?

I felt like a lunatic, constantly checking the door to make sure it was locked, and every sound from outside made me panic, fearing someone might come in. I tried to ignore it all, even though my heart pounded with every knock.

I locked myself in my room for nearly two days without even eating. It was only when Monday came that I finally moved again, because I promised myself I would never skip class no matter what.

Since the party, I hadn't even had the chance to look at my phone. It was dead and I didn't even think to charge it. So I had no idea what was happening with my friends.

I wanted to ask for help so badly, but I couldn't bring myself to open my mouth to anyone I passed by.

Even before, other students would already stare at me when I walked by, but now their looks felt different—full of judgment and disappointment.

I quickly ran to the restroom and washed my hands, scrubbing them over and over, because I felt filthy. I thought maybe people were staring because they felt disgusted by me.

I scrubbed so much that my hands were nearly wounded when someone stopped me.
"Roella, what happened to you? Why haven't we been able to reach you? Did you get home safely Friday night? We went to your house, but it seemed empty—where have you been?" my two friends bombarded me with questions.

"We were with Lennon that night, and he was really worried about you. Have you spoken to him yet? He said you weren't seeing his messages or answering his calls. Have you reviewed for our exams—was that what kept you from going online?"

"Angel also messaged us because they couldn't contact you. You had a meeting on Saturday with Z Company, but it didn't happen because you didn't show up. She said it was important because the actual boss was going to meet with you."

It felt like another heavy burden dropped on me after hearing all that. In the two days I disappeared, my problems had only piled up. What hurt even more was that while I thought my world had ended, theirs had simply moved on.

I feel so left behind.

I almost cried again when I saw myself in the mirror. My eyes were lifeless and the bruises from what uncle did were still very visible. I h, adn't even had time to iron my uniform, so it looked terribly wrinkled.

They rushed to comfort me as tears poured down, and Lexi closed the restroom door to give us privacy, in case someone saw me in this state.

I couldn't speak because I was sobbing. I took a deep breath before finally telling them everything that had happened.

They couldn't believe it, but the bruises were proof enough—no more explanation was needed.

"Where is he now? He just ran away from his crime?! Ella, we need to report this to the police. Let's ask for help and get you the justice you deserve!" Like me, they couldn't contain their anger—but all I could feel was pain and weakness.