I found out what harassment was when I was in sixth grade.
I’ll never forget that day.
I’ll never forget what he looked like.

It was in the morning and the streets were relatively empty.
He was moving behind me on a bike.
I suddenly felt his hand on my body.
I didn’t understand what was happening,
But I knew something was wrong.
I knew it was something I didn’t accept.

I turned to him.
I ran after him with my school backpack.
I wanted to hit him.
He was running.
I kept running after him and cursing him.
Until some guys in the street stopped him.

“What did he do?” they asked.
I couldn’t talk or explain what happened.
I kept staring at them.
I ran away in tears.

I ran all the way back home.
I was crying the whole time.
I couldn’t say anything when I got home.
I was afraid of going out for a week after.
I pretended to be sick so I wouldn’t go to school.

I still don’t walk down that street until this day.
It’s been ten years and I’m still afraid of that street.
I remember what the guy looked like.
I remember how he looked at me.
I don’t forgive him.
I don’t forgive any man who’s ever done this to a girl.