In class, we have to fill out a form about our household. You can check a box if you want to talk to a psychologist.
My appointment takes place at the school. A lady I have never seen before questions me in a small, cold, white-walled office. “How much does she drink? How often?”
I start to answer but soon fall silent, my mind flooded with scenarios. Will they remove me from my family? If so, where will I go? Will my father be blamed? Used to not being able to trust anyone, I envision betrayal. Your daughter tries to draw attention to herself by spreading demeaning rumors about you. I’m ashamed, and afraid.
If my parents find out, if this triggers an investigation, I can expect terrible repercussions in my future. So I say, “It’s not that bad. I see that now.”
That’s the end of it.
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