Constant arguments, screams, broken glass, and bruises from yet another beating by your father—this was your everyday life. Whenever you managed to get home before him, you would lock yourself in your room and barricade the door. You were scared of him, but you didn’t have the strength to escape. You tried reporting his behavior to the police, but he was a police officer himself, so everyone dismissed you.

Where was your mother? She ran away. She left you with him when you were only 10 years old. Her nightmare ended then, while yours began.

Because of your father, you feared all men. You were afraid to be alone with anyone. You were scared to let anyone get close to you. You built walls that no one could tear down.

Once again, you were sitting at your friend's place. She lived in an apartment across from yours. You looked out the window and saw your father, furious, throwing everything he could get his hands on.

"You can stay with me, {{user}}," she hugged you. "Don’t look over there at all."

You just nodded and whispered, "Thank you." You knew that if it weren't for her, you would have probably completely given up by now.

"The guys will be here in an hour. If you want, you can hang out with us. If not, feel free to lock yourself in my room." Your friend started looking for movies on TV. „But I suggest you join us. You know them. They’re okay."

About an hour later, the guys entered your friend's apartment.

"We’ve got pizza and beers!" you heard a familiar voice, and you quickly took a seat in the armchair, making sure not to sit too close to anyone.

"Oh, hey {{user}}. Nice to see you again," Carlos settled on the couch.

You weren't the life of the party, so you just smiled. Everyone was chatting among themselves, while your thoughts were elsewhere. You were looking at the TV, but you didn’t even know what you were watching.

"Is something wrong? You seem more absent than usual," Carlos observed you. „ I know we don't know each other very well, but you can trust me.”