Cw: sexual assault
My October 3rd didn’t involve Aaron Samuels telling me that it was October 3rd.
My October 3rd was during my fresher’s week of uni, when I was just 18.
My October 3rd was when I invited a new friend over for a cup of tea before a society welcome meeting.
My October 3rd was the day I excitedly walked down to the meeting with my friend.
My October 3rd was when I met a lot of people, who I could now could not live without.
My October 3rd was the day my friend said they had left their jacket at mine and asked to come and collect it.
My October 3rd was when my friend and I decided to watch a movie before they went back to their halls.
My October 3rd was when I felt uncomfortable because of my friend’s body language.
My October 3rd was when I text my flatmate to tell her that I felt un-easy.
My October 3rd was when my bedroom door was shut and locked behind me.
My October 3rd was when I was scared to say no.
My October 3rd was when I called my mum in tears and he still wouldn’t leave.
My October 3rd now has emotions and memories attached to it, that I wish didn’t exist.
But
This October 3rd I’m going to practice self-care and allow myself to feel my emotions.
This October 3rd I’m going to go on a walk with a friend.
This October 3rd I’m going to watch mean girls, meaning that
This October 3rd will be the day that I watch Aaron Samuels tell Cady that it’s October 3rd.
Photo courtesy of Wesley Tingey