Two Words

It all started too soon for me, and I barely understood why. There was no rest for the abuse, and fear was a staple at home. Childhood seemed like it would never end, and I couldn't wait to depart, in one way or the other.

Nights under a dim light from candles; days suffocating inside the house from the heat outside. Scarce supplies to subsist, and bare necessities were seldom satisfied.

But I was unable to do a damn thing. I was too young to protest or act. I was always restricted, restrained, and scolded. My emaciated self could barely say a thing to those in care of me. It was mostly two words, said in a low tone. Those words were simple: "Please, stop".

No relatives on sight. Hiding from authorities when I was supposed to trust them. Making friends who would help scout around while scavenging for food and shelter. One young adult without a future, vision, or goal in sight.

Nights under a dim light from the street lamps; days suffocating under a bridge from the heat outside. Even though there were noble souls able to give support, this was never enough.

But I was unable to do more. I was always on the run, moving from place to place to avoid being detained. My emaciated self could barely say a thing to those with means to provide. It was mostly two words, said in a low tone. Those words were simple: "Please, help".

No dream can come sooner than later. No nightmare can stay with you forever. But a nightmarish dream can catch you when you expect it the least. All that running can sometimes not be enough, and "they" will snatch you in a flash.

Nights under a dim light from the corridor, days suffocating while cramped in a small shared space from the heat inside. The days were set by somebody else, and the bare necessities were covered at a minimum.

But I was unable to change anything. I was expected to align, comply, and surrender my body and soul. My emaciated self could barely say a thing to those in charge. It was mostly two words, said in a low tone. Those words were simple: "I will".

Then, I found their library.

No sound should be so loud. No crowd should be that big. Some familiar faces, but mostly energetic people surrounding me, pushing for a smile.

A night under a dim light from the tables. A day to forget when suffocating was the norm.

I was able to change everything. I was supposed to be dead by now. It has been a long journey, but worth every step. It seemed impossible back then, but it has become a reality after all that hard work and perseverance. My renovated self could barely say anything to those listening in silence, specifically to the special one in front of me. It was two words, said in a normal tone. Those words were simple: "I do".