It was a beautiful day, perfect for kite flying. It was the day me and Amir won the kite flying competition. In the morning, we got ready for a day of kite flying. We were determined to win. Throughout the day, one by one we took out every single kite from the sky. Amir was amazing at flying kites. At about midday it was between us and another blue kite; Amir waited for the perfect moment, ignoring his bleeding hands, to cut the kite – he beautifully swooped his kite and with a flick of his wrist, he was the last one standing. The only thing standing between him and the winning was going to find this last kite. It was my job to find it. I could not let Amir down; I would find it no matter what. I finally found the kite and was on my way back to find Amir, when Assef and his friends cut me off. They cornered me into an alley and raped me. They took away my dignity and my pride. Assef kept repeating that I was just a Hazara and that no one would care about what he was doing. This is how society was! Can you believe that? After that torturous day, I did not feel the same. What was wrong with me? How could I let this guy do this to me? I should have fought back harder. I was so embarrassed and ashamed by what happened on this day, I wanted to forget about whatever happened. I only told Rahim Khan and Dad because I needed to tell someone. They were so understanding and considerate. I am glad I told them. They comforted me and told me everything was going to be okay. Amir, on the other hand, was so weird to me after that day. We kind of stopped talking to each other and eventually just drifted apart. I wonder why he acted so differently. What did I do wrong? Why would he suddenly just ignore me? It hurt so much to see that Amir was avoiding me. We were the best of friends one day; how could that change all of a sudden?
Here are some links that helped me through this tough time:
http://www.rainn.org/
http://www.dancinginthedarkness.com/
I have a confession, Hassan: I was there and I witnessed the entire bloody incident. I didn’t do or even try to do anything to stop them from doing those horrible things to you. I am so very sorry. I feel awful for just staying there and letting it happen. I should have gone for help, I should have said something, I should have done something. I hope you can find it somewhere in your generous heart to forgive me. I remember that day perfectly. I can’t forget about it; it eats away at me every single day. I feel not only guilty for letting you go through that, but responsible for it. I am glad you told Ali and Rahim Khan. They are the most remarkable people in the world, besides you of course. They have enormous hearts full of nothing but love for everyone. I cannot express how awfully sorry to you. I am responsible for this, I hope you do not blame yourself for letting this happen. It was because of me, not you. You were only defending the stupid kite. You should have given them the kite! It wasn’t important! You were exploited and physically abused, and it was all because of me. I am extremely sorry Hassan and I hope you find it somewhere in your heart to forgive me.
ReplyDeleteAmir