Daddy, please stop hurting me.

I am so sorry.

Please believe me.

The pain is so strong and my tears won't stop.

I can't stop trembling, even though I'm not cold.

The sting of your belt,

the smack of your hand--

I never saw them coming, because I don't know what I did.

Honest, I don't.

But how could I not know?

I have known for way too long.

I can't remember how long.

I don't want to remember.

I should be used to this by now.

Why aren't I?

Daddy, please forgive me.

I promise I will be good.

Let me out of this corner and out of this house.

Let me breathe again like a normal person.

Let me see my friends again.

Let me have normal thoughts.

Let me be a normal kid.

Please.