In this photo I smiled in the arms of my stepfather… For years, my mother believed that she loved me like her own daughter, but I did not know that, behind closed doors, those same hands subjected me to such cruel abuse that their consequences would accompany me throughout my life

In this photograph I am nine years old.

I’m smiling.

Mark’s arms are around me.

My mother probably thought I was looking at the two people I loved the most in the world.

For years I wanted to erase this  photo.

I don’t want to do it today anymore.

I keep it as a reminder.

Not all  photos happy tell the whole truth.

And if your child suddenly changes, he stays silent in the presence of a certain person, doesn’t want to be alone with him or seems to be trying to tell them something—even if it seems small or insignificant—to listen to him.

Do not force a child to show their fear to deserve their protection.

Sometimes the person who shows the kindest smile in front of everyone is completely different when  doors They close.

And for a child, that there is even a single adult capable of saying “I believe you” can change his whole life.