The Aftermath

Janice Konstantinidis
4 min readAug 17, 2023

In the aftermath of the rape, Sarah chose to carry the weight of her experience in solitude. Time flowed on, a river of days that seemed heavy and elusive. A persistent weariness took hold, dragging her spirit down with each passing moment. A friend, sensing her struggle, softly suggested seeing a doctor.

The doctor’s demeanor turned solemn as he examined Sarah. His gaze met hers, and he gently delivered a truth that reverberated through her, “Sarah, you are pregnant.”

Those words crashed upon her like a wave, submerging her in emotions. Anger, confusion, and fear swirled within her like a storm. How had her path led her here? What did this unexpected turn mean for the future she had envisioned? She was merely sixteen, caught in a whirlwind beyond her control.

As time unfolded, the burgeoning life within her seemed to eclipse her dreams and hopes. An ember of anger ignited within, fueled by the intrusion she never invited. It was as though an unseen force had stolen fragments of her essence, leaving her grappling with a profound sense of helplessness.

Ensnared by this intruder, Sarah found herself isolated and entrapped. Her emotions tainted her interactions.

The weight of her situation impacted her personal life and her ability to navigate the world outside. Work and social life became more difficult as she strapped her heavy body in gridles. “You’re gaining weight,” People remarked. Sarah remained silent.

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Janice Konstantinidis

I am a lover of fine cheese, my dogs, my garden, knitting, photography, writing and more!