September 20, 1993

Andy,

I do hope you forgive me for bringing this up in writing, but there’s something I need to tell you.

I think it’s time I elaborated about my Grad Night. You know I didn’t have fun, and you’ve been nice about not prodding into the story. Well, here goes—

As you know, I turned down my ex-boyfriend’s proposal right before graduation. On Grad Night, he lured me away from the carnival under the guise of having one last conversation. Stupidly, I went with him. He did not want to talk. He wanted revenge, and he got it… by raping me.

The reason I spent the summer with Louisa and Melvin is because I wanted to make sure my ex couldn’t find me. They also helped me deal with what happened. I’ve accepted what happened to me and am moving on, but I know this will stick with me a bit longer. It’s been barely three months since it happened, after all.

So yeah, there it is. Again, I’m sorry I didn’t tell you this in person, but it’s still hard for me to say out loud what happened.

Sincerely,

Shirley

September 21, 1993

Shirley,

I’m so sorry that happened to you!
I can totally understand why you have trouble talking about this. It’s a horrible, horrible thing.
I’m here for you, in any way I can be.

Love and Friendship,
Andy