they say-

they say that if it happens once, the risk for happening again increases substantially.

why? 

is it because they come back for seconds?

or because we go after them in revenge?

they have words for us, labels. they call us victims. some use the term survivors. 

what's wrong with "people"?

they even dare to tell us that it was our fault. they tell us we were "asking for it".

i was wearing boot-cut jeans and a sweatshirt. you think i was asking for it?

some try to categorize us in the aftermath. they decide we have PTSD, or anxiety, or depression. they somehow think it's fair to assume that we all fit neatly into their little boxes of expectation.

i prefer the diagnosis of "human".

our friends, well-meaning but misguided, tell us, everything will be alright. our best friend tells us, it's okay to cry. others say, get over it.

me, i say live.