I found my daughter sitting on the edge of the bathtub with a razor in her hand.
The bathroom door was open about two inches. I was walking past with a basket of clean towels, and I saw her through the gap. Hunched over. Her left arm stretched out across her knee. My pink razor in her right hand.
I pushed the door open.
“Emma? Sweetheart, what are you doing?”
She jumped. She dropped the razor into her lap and tried to cover it with her hand.
But I could already see her face. She’d been crying. Her eyes were red and puffy, and there were wet streaks down both cheeks.
I set the towels down on the counter.
“Honey. What’s going on?”
For a long moment, she didn’t answer. She just rubbed her thumb back and forth along her forearm. Back and forth.
“Mom,” she said finally. “Is it normal for girls to have so much hair on their arms?”
“Of course it is, honey. Why?”
She kept rubbing her arm.
“Tyler said mine look like a man’s.”
I stared at her.
“He said I should shave them,” she went on. Her voice was very small. “Because it’s embarrassing when we hold hands at school.”
Something hot and fast went up my spine.
I wanted to march downstairs, grab my phone, and call that boy’s mother right that second. I actually turned toward the door.
But Emma reached out and caught my wrist.
“Please, Mom. Don’t tell her.”
“Emma, he had no right to say that to you.”
“I know. Just please don’t make it worse.”
“How would I make it worse?”
Her eyes filled up all over again.
“I don’t want him to break up with me.”
That hurt more than anything Tyler had said.
I stood there in my own bathroom with my fifteen-year-old daughter holding onto my wrist. And I realized she wasn’t scared that he’d been cruel to her.
She was scared of losing the boy who’d been cruel to her.
Ethan Blake is a skilled Creative Content Specialist with a talent for crafting engaging and thought-provoking narratives. With a strong background in storytelling and digital content creation, Ethan brings a unique perspective to his role at TheArchivists, where he curates and produces captivating content for a global audience.
Ethan holds a degree in Communications from Zurich University, where he developed his expertise in storytelling, media strategy, and audience engagement. Known for his ability to blend creativity with analytical precision, he excels at creating content that not only entertains but also connects deeply with readers.
At TheArchivists, Ethan specializes in uncovering compelling stories that reflect a wide range of human experiences. His work is celebrated for its authenticity, creativity, and ability to spark meaningful conversations, earning him recognition among peers and readers alike.
Passionate about the art of storytelling, Ethan enjoys exploring themes of culture, history, and personal growth, aiming to inspire and inform with every piece he creates. Dedicated to making a lasting impact, Ethan continues to push boundaries in the ever-evolving world of digital content.