A Lived Out Life

7, 8, 9

why was 6 afraid of 7?
because
7 8
9 years old.
at 9 years old you're finding your favorite book,
you're going to recess with your friends, getting help with homework from mom
you're spending every saturday outside until the sun goes down.
or not.
why was 6 afraid of 7?
because
7 8
9 year old me wasnt finding my favorite book or even thinking about recess.
she was hiding in the bathroom crying again because he called her to his room again.
she was telling herself it had to be a punishment.
she didnt deserve it.
why was 6 afraid of 7?
because
7 8
life almost ended at 9.
and 10. 11. 12. 13.
she breathed again.
there was hope.
that lived long enough for two men in uniforms to sweep her legs out from under her.
why was 6 afraid of 7?
because 7
faced her trauma at 9 and because stronger.
7 is 20 now, she didnt even think she would make it past 9.