I am tired, I am drained, but giving up is not a thing for me. I can’t decide what I should start with; my dad walking over my mother just because of a meal, pulling her hair hard, grabbing her arm, and trying to throw her out of the house?  Which one should I tell? This was the environment I was raised in: a cruel dad and a mother who didn’t say anything. I will not be a person like my father. He was always unstable, extremely jealous, starting fights unexpectedly and walking over us. But if we asked somebody, I am sure they would say, “Your father does everything for you. He is a great person.”  Unfortunately, that is not the truth.

I am also tired of him forcing me into Islam. He always worries about how he can restrict me, my elder sister, and my mother. He prays five times a day, reads the Quran, and tries to convert people to Islam because he teaches religion, but he doesn’t worth anything for humanity.

If you ask about me, I am 17, will be turning 18 in 3 months. Sometimes I can’t take it anymore and wonder what would happen if I go to the police. I wish I had someone’s support, someone who unconditionally supports and shows their love towards me. I will not give up. I have a university entrance exam waiting for me. I must go to college to help one’s living in similar conditions to me. The letters we write here are usually about religious oppression. I love reading them, and I feel I am not alone; I am glad you exist. Some people say the letters are made up, but unfortunately, they are the hard truths of life. Nobody is Cinderella nor the fairy godmother. I will write here now and then. Take care!

(Image: Hanna Barczyk)