Stranded

by Sarah Goodwin

‘There’s this … compulsion, bred into us. To be polite, to be civilised, as if by ignoring a threat we’re somehow safe from whoever or whatever is out to get us. That as long as we stay silent, as long as no one acknowledges the fear we feel or what might happen … it won’t.’ I allow myself a small sip of water, feeling anger burning into my cheeks. I put the glass down. ‘It’s bullshit.’

‘There was a moment where I had to choose between everything I’d ever been taught about how to stay safe, and reality. I had to either play the game of appeasement, negotiating just how much I was going to be hurt, or believe my instincts and try to save myself, whatever the cost. And if I hadn’t trusted that part of myself … I wouldn’t be here.’

Fortunately I have learned that there is no justice, aside from what we make for ourselves. There is only survival, and the victor tells the story.