Child sexual abuse: On the joys of ordinariness
I was giving a talk on child sexual abuse at the local university the next day, and mentioned this to my roommate, Reshmi.
Slowly, cautiously, we started talking about a mutual girlfriend who had come from a rough background. She had stayed with us recently. Anna's father was an alcoholic.
"You know, there are a lot of similarities between people like us - who have either been sexually abused as children, or whose parents were alcoholics when they were young," I was saying.
"As a child, you didn't have much control over your life; you never really felt safe, so that behaviour continues into adulthood. I always like to put things back to their original positions after the maid has cleaned and left for the day. I like things just as they were."
"I know, I noticed!" Reshmi grinned at me.
"When I was undergoing counselling, I made it a point to stop being such a control freak. I try, I try, even now!" I added, somewhat unnecessarily.
 |
| (Photo credit: JewelPie) |
"But you know, it's possible to come out on the other side. We mustn't forget that," I continued. She nodded.
Today, I woke up feeling sunny. It's a public holiday and the world has slowed down a pace.
I watered the plants on my balcony, taking pleasure in the blooms of the periwinkles despite its errant owner not being too regular about the watering. A money plant has also sprouted, and about this, I was also happy.
Reshmi had washed the clothes and hung it out to dry. I took over the folding of the towels, luxuriating in that lovely, freshly laundered smell. I ran my fingers over the terry cloth, admiring the feel of it, the texture.
I love the simplicity of ordered, domestic life with everything in its place.
A life no less extraordinary.
Read part 27 here.
Read part 26 here.
Read part 25 here.
Read part 24 here.
Read part 23 here.
Read part 22 here.
Read part 21 here.
Read part 20 here.
Read part 19 here.
Read part 18 here.
Read part 17 here.
Read part 16 here.
Read part 15 here.
Read part 14 here.
Read part 13 here.
Read part 12 here.
Read part 11 here.
Read part ten here.
Read part nine here.
Read part eight here.
Read part seven here.
Read part six here.
Read part five here.
Read part four here.
Read part three here.
Read part two here.
Read part one here