I was nine years old when my childhood was taken from me. I was hurt by someone I trusted in my community. I did not understand what had happened, only that I was afraid and in pain. When I tried to speak, nothing was done. The adults stayed silent. The person who hurt me faced no consequences. I learned early that my pain was easier to ignore than confront. I grew up carrying the trauma alone. I looked normal on the outside, but inside I was stuck at nine. Fear, shame, and silence followed me into my teenage years and adulthood. Time did not heal it. Silence nearly destroyed me. This is my story. I survived. I broke the silence. And my voice belongs to me.