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18+ Language Violence Mature Content

Cost of Silence - Prologue

by amysays91


Warning: This work has been rated 18+ for language, violence, and mature content.

PROLOGUE

When you think of child abuse. What materializes in your mind? Perhaps it’s the raw brutality of physical harm, the insidious erosion of emotional well-being, or the silent tyranny of financial control. What often remains hidden is the multifaceted nature of abuse, a dark tapestry woven with threads of pain, fear and manipulation.

As far back as my memory stretches, I have been entangled in the web of abuse. It wasn't limited to the emotional realm; physical and sexual abuse was a chilling reality as well. Growing up in this environment, the abnormal became my norm. Being screamed at, threatened, hit, subjected to demeaning words, and manipulated—all part of the daily script. Could this really be how every parent treats their child?

As I matured into adulthood, the lens through which I viewed my past shifted dramatically. What I once deemed normal now stands exposed as a grotesque distortion of reality. None of it was normal. As an adult navigating the aftermath, the question looms large: How does one recover from the trauma that has defined their existence? Abuse has been my constant companion; now, how do I find my way back to a life untouched by its malevolent grip?

My name is Amethyst, and I entered this world in May of 1993. The narrative that unfolds is a raw and unfiltered account of my tumultuous journey through childhood. These are not just memories but fragments of my soul – penned in diaries, documented in Child Protective Services (CPS) reports, and etched into the fibers of my being.

This story is about more than just surviving abuse; it's a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. It's a chronicle of overcoming the shadows that defined my early years. It has taken me over two years to find the courage to share this narrative, a narrative that continues to evolve as I grapple with healing and coping. To safeguard my family's privacy, pseudonyms cloak the identities of those mentioned in these pages. 


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Sat Mar 02, 2024 5:14 am
kaitlyn wrote a review...



Good Morning/Afternoon/Evening/Night(whichever one it is in your part of the world),

Hi! I'm here to leave a quick review!!

First Impression: This is a very powerful piece here, there's definitely a clear sign of just how much powerful emotion lies behind this piece and I think you give it the stage that it needs really nicely here.

Anyway let's get right to it,

When you think of child abuse. What materializes in your mind? Perhaps it’s the raw brutality of physical harm, the insidious erosion of emotional well-being, or the silent tyranny of financial control. What often remains hidden is the multifaceted nature of abuse, a dark tapestry woven with threads of pain, fear and manipulation.


Well this is quite the start there, immediately summoning up some very powerful imagery right from the very beginning there. It definitely serves to get our attention really quickly there right at the start. A strong start.

As far back as my memory stretches, I have been entangled in the web of abuse. It wasn't limited to the emotional realm; physical and sexual abuse was a chilling reality as well. Growing up in this environment, the abnormal became my norm. Being screamed at, threatened, hit, subjected to demeaning words, and manipulated—all part of the daily script. Could this really be how every parent treats their child?


Well this one definitely dives even deeper into that powerful hole there. The feeling are described very powerfully here as we go on, getting even more powerful as we go on and that last question definitely strikes you really hard there cause it truly is one of those powerful questions that haunt you during that.

As I matured into adulthood, the lens through which I viewed my past shifted dramatically. What I once deemed normal now stands exposed as a grotesque distortion of reality. None of it was normal. As an adult navigating the aftermath, the question looms large: How does one recover from the trauma that has defined their existence? Abuse has been my constant companion; now, how do I find my way back to a life untouched by its malevolent grip?

My name is Amethyst, and I entered this world in May of 1993. The narrative that unfolds is a raw and unfiltered account of my tumultuous journey through childhood. These are not just memories but fragments of my soul – penned in diaries, documented in Child Protective Services (CPS) reports, and etched into the fibers of my being.


That's a nice little introduction there. I love the way that you swing nicely into that there. The word choice there really is incredible. It immediately just throws up the sheer force of what we're dealing with here and I think it sets up this sort of memoir up really quite well.

This story is about more than just surviving abuse; it's a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. It's a chronicle of overcoming the shadows that defined my early years. It has taken me over two years to find the courage to share this narrative, a narrative that continues to evolve as I grapple with healing and coping. To safeguard my family's privacy, pseudonyms cloak the identities of those mentioned in these pages.


And that's a lovely place to cap it off. A simple clean note there. I think its beautifully done setting it all up very neatly letting us know exactly what it is we're sitting down to.

Aaaaand that's it for this one.

Overall: Overall, a very powerful piece that definitely as the readers drags you in and very much leaves you feeling a fraction of what's to come and waiting to find out more.

As always remember to take what you think was helpful and forget the rest.

Stay Safe
Kate




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Sun Jan 21, 2024 12:48 am
Avian wrote a review...



Hello! I saw your work in the Green Room and decided to leave a review. Even though it's a little late, (and you technically joined before me) welcome to YWS!

I'm going to try to be careful with this review, because this chapter portrays such a heavy topic, and one that I have not experienced, nor can I relate to on a personal level. But I think if your experience is worth writing about, it's also worth reading and talking about.

Your writing style is beautiful! You enticed me from the start with your lovely word choice and metaphors. You turned a dark and heavy topic into beautiful prose. I hope you keep posting on YWS; I'd love to continue reading your novel.

Some of my favorite lines:

"As I matured into adulthood, the lens through which I viewed my past shifted dramatically. What I once deemed normal now stands exposed as a grotesque distortion of reality. None of it was normal."

This gives the readers an introduction into what this novel will be about, while also showing part of your thought process growing up. And, again, your word choice gives this quote an ominous and dark feel, while also bringing beauty into the equation.

"This story is about more than just surviving abuse; it's a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. It's a chronicle of overcoming the shadows that defined my early years. It has taken me over two years to find the courage to share this narrative, a narrative that continues to evolve as I grapple with healing and coping."

Again, this gives a good introduction to your novel, and leaves us on a hopeful note, after reading on a heavy topic. I'm so glad you're finding healing and are sharing your story. It's not an easy feat, and I admire your courage.

The only piece of advice I can offer is to keep writing. You have an elegant writing style that easily captivates an audience. I admire your writing, and your strength in sharing this with the world. And if writing this is part of your healing journey, then I am glad to be a part of it, even if it's only for a short while.

Overall, this was an amazing introduction that handles a heavy theme with delicacy. As much as people shy away from difficult topics, I also think it's something worth sharing and knowing about. Feeling seen and known is something we all desire.

Keep writing, and find healing! -Avian




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Mon Jan 08, 2024 3:29 am
Greyhound26 says...



stay strong





Don't gobblefunk around with words.
— Roald Dahl