I’m not sure how I got here
All I know is I need air.
The water gets darker
As I sink further down.

My legs become shackled by chains.
“Too sensitive”
“What’s wrong with you?”
Each insult another weight added.

So much shame
I feel weaker and weaker
Until I have no fight left.
A voice whispers in my head
“There is still hope”.

Using the last of my energy, I kick hard
The shackles fall off.
I break the surface
Take a deep breath.
I am free.

—Emilie M.