My brother said I was special. - Valerie

Valerie was the baby of the family and doted upon by her grandparents, parents, and siblings. She was a child with a fiery temper and outspoken in getting what she wanted.

Valerie was six years old when her teenage brother began to play special games with her.

She was excited. He made it seem like she was being included in something important, something secret. He gave her "permission" to touch him in private places. It was framed as a precious moment to cherish between them.

In return for giving her such privilege, he said, she would also allow him to touch her in similar places.

These sessions shifted gradually. From touching with clothes on to touching without clothes on. Then lying on top of each other. Eventually, slight penetration.

A few years later, Valerie's brother became partnered. The sessions ended abruptly, without explanation.

Valerie and her brother continued their family life as if nothing had happened. He helped her with homework. Drove her to activities. Acted like the doting sibling everyone believed him to be.

But something inside Valerie changed.
She became secretly ashamed of what had happened. She couldn't name why. And she distanced herself from the bodily sensations she had experienced… something that persisted to adulthood.