I’m proud of myself for not staying silent.

There’s an old narrative that says women should keep quiet about rape. That speaking up brings shame. That it’s better to “move on” and protect everyone else’s comfort.

I refused that narrative.

I’m grateful I didn’t let older voices silence me with advice rooted in fear, reputation, or denial. I chose healing over hiding. I chose truth over tradition. I chose freedom over silence.

Breaking silence isn’t disrespectful. It’s courageous.

Some generations survived by staying quiet.
My healing required me to speak.

And I will never apologize for that.

The cycle ends with me.