I was young, out having a fun night with friends. An argument broke out at a bar. It was us against them. Instead of letting it go, one of them followed us to another location. I walked into the middle by accident, not realizing the person had a gun. The confrontation ended with him shooting at me three times, hitting me twice.
I assume now I suffer from trauma from the attempt to kill me that night. I am sure it’s changed who I grew into. I wonder all the time if it makes me a different parent, friend, daughter, spouse. I have never lived as a victim since, but has it hardened me? I know so. My loved ones suffer today from the effects of that night’s violent end 20 years ago. It’s time for me to heal.