A: If I Told You My Story

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by ElleLeeLove

by ElleLeeLove

In my novel, Forever Remember: The Rose Code, Jasmine Austine gives Mrs. Price a bouquet of yellow roses. She wrote on the card: I WILL NEVER FORGET WHAT YOU DID.

I can't forget what someone did to me, either. Even though I want to.

I can forgive, but I can't forget.

The person who hurt me is locked up in jail where he can't hurt me or anyone else. But he's eligible for parole in August.

Here's my letter to the Parole Board.

Dear Parole Board,

I spent years trying to forget what happened that night, but I'll never forget the feel of the blade at my neck and the threat of my throat being slit if I didn't cooperate. Time may have faded some of the details, but the fear never fades.

I'm still afraid to be alone at night. I turn on all the lights in the house, check all the locks, listen for any unusual sounds, and keep the phone close to call for help, even though I know the criminal who hurt me is locked behind bars.

He stole my innocence from me, and I can never get it back. I now know that people are capable of evil deeds, and I'm scared of being hurt again. A wise man said, "Evil prevails when good people do nothing." That's why I am writing this letter and why I am begging you to keep this evil man in jail. I believe if he is released, he will commit another crime.

I wasn't his first victim or his last. Please keep him locked away from society so he will never ruin another young girl's life, like he did mine.

Sincerely,

Elle

So this is my real-life story, and probably why I'm having so much trouble writing the ending to my fictional story, Forever Remember.

I got justice for a while, but justice doesn't last forever, only memories.

***UPDATE*** The criminal was denied parole for two years. So I'm safe until 2018, and then I'll have to write another letter.