Shout

by Laurie Halse Anderson

(Eve ate the apple because Adam was afraid, for the record.) The opposite of innocence is not sin. Dearly beloved, the opposite of innocence is strength.

Take your age the first time a stranger touched your body with danger in his hands, evil-minded. . . . But it’s not usually a stranger, is it? Most times you think you know him, but not really, if it was your brother, your uncle, grandfather, your dad who turned monster when he was alone with you; your teacher, priest, boss, date, best friend, best friend’s brother, best friend’s father, coworker, president, housemate, professor, butcher, CEO, talent scout, lab partner, dentist, photographer, bus driver, clown, band director, coach, pastor, scout leader, congressman, youth pastor, lawyer, mentor, regional manager, neighbor, conductor, committee chair, rabbi, hero, therapist, ski instructor, pediatrician, the dad of the kids you babysat, who volunteered to drive you home the boy you were falling in love with the dude in your fantasy soccer league who turned into a monster when he was alone with your body.