A Robe

Small things, tiny bits, so small that even She didn't realize what was happening. Not until later.

As a small girl, She often ran to sit in her father's recliner with him. He tucked her feet beneath his robe under his leg to warm them up. Such an innocent beginning, tainted with evil. She didn't recall it for a long time, but once the memory surfaced, it shone like a beacon. The Girl went to his chair as normal, though it was just starting to be uncomfortable for her. She sat on the arm of the grey La-Z-Boy and covered her feet. This time though, her father stuck her hands under to warm them up as well. She didn't notice for a moment, wrapped up in Saturday morning cartoons. Suddenly she realized her hand had been placed on his penis. She jerked her hand away and jumped up, retreating to her room.

Why didn't she say something then?

Another Saturday - how many had passed she doesn't know. Was it weeks, months? The first incident was a distant memory, quickly shoved away and buried. This time She lay on the sofa, reading a book. Her father sat at the foot of couch wearing the robe. Perhaps they were tossing a ball - it isn't completely clear. Whatever the object, it flew over her head and the arm of the couch. Instead of standing to retrieve it, or asking The Girl to, he leaned over her. He was on his knees, and reached above her head. This meant She was covered by the robe. It had fallen open and draped over her. Like hiding in a curtain. Except that his erect penis was in her face.

She didn't even realize at first, having never seen a penis besides on babies. The Girl was eight years old. She froze. Didn't make a sound, didn't utter a word. He moved as if nothing had happened. She still made no sound and just lay there. The day must have progressed as normal, and She never said anything about it. Not once.


Little things, built over time.

She supposed now that perhaps this was the "grooming." Waiting to see what She would say and who She would say it too. Maybe he had a plan on how he would claim it was a mistake, a misunderstanding. Unfortunately, She said exactly nothing. To anyone.