Taming 7 (Boys of Tommen, #5)

by Chloe Walsh

When I walked into your bedroom to check on you and found him pinning you to your mattress, raping you, I think I died inside. Your eyes. You looked so broken. So defeated. You weren’t making a sound. Your tears were as silent as my voice, and I am so sorry for that. I don’t know how I’m supposed to live with myself for allowing you to suffer like you have. I honestly don’t think I can. I’ve written you this letter, and I want you to take it to your mam. If not your mam then take it to Sinead Biggs across the street. All you have to do is hand over this letter, sweet boy, and I promise you he’ll get what he deserves. (For all who read this letter, let it be known that I, Caoimhe Young, on the night of April 5th, 2000, witnessed my boyfriend, Mark Allen, raping his eleven-year-old stepbrother, Gerard Gibson, while I was supposed to be babysitting him. Let it also be known that eighteen months before witnessing this rape, Gerard Gibson disclosed to me that he didn’t feel safe around Mark, and that he touched him inappropriately. And finally, to my deepest regret, let it be known that I, Caoimhe Young, believed my boyfriend’s word over that of an innocent child.) For my part in your pain, for my silence, I can never say sorry enough. I can only hope that my absence gives you some comfort, because while I know I wasn’t your abuser, my lack of willingness to believe your truth hurt you in ways he never could. Goodbye, sweet boy. Caoimhe x