7 Quotes by Alina Klein

They say that rape is the only crime in which the victim has to prove her innocence. And I want you to know, I believe in your innocence. You don’t have to prove anything to me.

I gulped and took deep breaths to keep myself from puking all over my baby sister. I could smell last night’s vomit in my hair. I looked around-ugh, this was going to be a nightmare to clean up.

Francine came in and drew blood from a vein in my arm. I hardly felt it when the needle went in. I watched a bright red stream spurt into a small glass vial, watched as the vial was exchanged rapidly for a second one. I was mesmerized.

I shaded my eyes with my hand and slowly sat up. My mouth felt like it had been wiped with sandpaper.

The police officers were carrying wrinkled clothing in their gloved hands when they returned. They spread the items out on the table for me to identify. For a moment I saw his hands on my panties, flinging them to the floor.

The two officers followed Mom out of the kitchen, passing untouched rolls, stuffing, and a turkey resting in its own congealed juices on a platter. I stared at our spoiled Thanksgiving dinner.

Beside me, Kenadie threw her arms up in the air with a whoop and started dancing. Her dark curls bounced wildly. The girl couldn’t dance, but that seemed fitting.