I told this story because it demanded to be told. Throughout the writing process, I fought with all my might to avoid telling this story because of the vulnerability it required of me. It required me to face a wound I was never given the tools to dress. It required me to reveal myself in a way I had been shamed for in the past. As I sat in this tension, I thought of all the others who may have similar wounds. That's when things changed. I ultimately told this story in hopes that they would feel seen.