She couldn’t look at her own reflection

Much less look at anyone else

“Well, you were drinking.”

“Boys will be boys.”

None of these words soothed the ache in her bones.

All the other girls pretended not to understand

Because it was somehow her fault.

Why didn’t he stop?

Because in this world, no doesn’t mean no anymore.

No means keep going, I want this.

No means pleasure for him.

No means pain for her.

And now, she was a viper, ready to lash out

So no one could use her and abuse her

And ignore her cries for help

And look away.

She would become the queen of stone

Ready to defend others from her fate.

She would seek vengeance.

She would overcome.