Being a child of abuse was a little like trying to outrun a storm. For a time you’re caught directly in the tempest, then—if you’re lucky—you escape it. But you’re never really free. You can see the shadow on the ground behind you on sunny days. You know if you hesitate or make the wrong move, you’ll be fully back under its cover, feeling cold rain and pounding wind. All you ever want to do is stay ahead of the storm.
