Can't escape pain, kiddo. Battle through it and you get stronger.

I doubt trees are ever told to 'be the screwed-up ninth-grader.'

We swore sacred oaths to be strong and to save the planet and to be friends forever.

I just want to sleep. A coma would be nice. Or amnesia. Anything, just to get rid of this, these thoughts, whispers in my mind. Did he rape my head, too?

Be careful what you wish for. There's always a catch.

It made me strong.I took a step back, near my whole self in the mirror.I pushed back my shoulders and raised my chin, my back straight as an arrow.

Apologies mean nothing if you don't mean it.