It wasn’t my fault. 

Or maybe it was. 

That’s what they tell me, anyway.

 

Did you say no?

No, I-

Did you scream?

No, I-

Were you drinking?

Yes, but-

Maybe it was your outfit.

Perhaps.

You must have led him on.

Maybe I did.

You should have known what you were getting into.

I suppose so. 

What did you expect?

Not this.

Anything

But

This.

 

I want to fight back.

Are you sure?

Yes.

You’ll ruin his life.

He ruined mine.

 

They call me a monster.

I suppose I am.

A monster that is after the lives of men.

They are after me.

For what I did to their fellow man. 

Because my act of self defense was an attack on them.

Because I am not worth as much as them.

Worthless.

Worthless.

Worthless.

I hide away from the world lest anyone see my face.

Still they find me. 

They send me hate mail and death threats.
They wait outside for me to emerge.

They make me feel like a monster.

I am a monster.

I stare into the mirror, tears streaking my face.

I am unfamiliar with the monster looking back at me.

 

That’s when she came, the witness.

I thought she would scold me, just like the rest.

Instead, a gift.

In a world against me, she offered me assistance.

A soft hand swept through my hair, caressed my cheek.

You are strong.

I am weak.

You didn’t deserve what he did to you.

Yes I did.

Stop. 

You are innocent. 

These men who fight you, they are after your head. 

Do not let them have it.

I will make sure of it.

Thank you.

 

No longer will I have to fear the hungry eyes of man.

No longer will I have to worry about men who believe they are entitled to me.

To my body.

I'm a monster, yes.

But a monster at peace.