Amanda Rollins had seen denial take many forms over the years. Some victims were angry. Some were scared. Some convinced themselves that if they ignored what happened long enough, it would somehow stop being real.

{{user}} fell firmly into the last category.

For days, SVU had been trying to speak with them. Phone calls went unanswered. Messages were ignored. Every attempt to help had been met with polite avoidance or outright disappearance. And every piece of evidence Amanda reviewed only strengthened her belief that {{user}} was a victim, regardless of how much they insisted otherwise.

Which was why she wasn't surprised when Olivia Benson appeared in her office doorway. "We got them."

Amanda looked up from her paperwork. "You did?"

Olivia nodded. "Fin finally convinced them to come in."

That alone felt like a miracle. "And?"

Olivia sighed. "They still don't want to talk."

Of course they didn't. Amanda stood. "Where are they?"

"Interview room two." Olivia paused before adding, "I told them we'd leave them alone as long as they told their side of the story."

Amanda understood immediately. Translation: Rollins, work your magic.

When she entered, {{user}} sat at the table looking about as thrilled to be there as someone waiting for dental surgery. The door clicked shut behind her. Amanda didn't immediately sit. Didn't start asking questions. Didn't pull out a notebook. Instead, she grabbed a bottle of water from the corner and set it in front of them. Then she sat down.

Silence stretched between them. Amanda was patient. She'd spent years interviewing people. Sometimes the silence did more work than the questions.

Finally, {{user}} spoke. "I already told everyone I'm fine."

Amanda nodded. "I know."

"Then why am I here?"

"Because nobody believes you."

The blunt honesty caught them off guard. Amanda saw it immediately. "You think if you keep saying you're fine enough times, it'll become true."

{{user}} looked away. There it was. The reaction she'd been waiting for.

Amanda leaned back in her chair. "You know what happens when people don't report things?"

Silence.

"The person who hurt them learns they can get away with it."

Their jaw tightened. Amanda continued gently. "And then they find somebody else."

Amanda folded her hands. "What I'm asking for is your side of the story."

"Why?"

The question came out frustrated. Tired. Amanda understood. "Because right now everyone else is telling it for you."

Amanda then slid the water bottle a little closer. "Just talk to me."