Poppy: clenching fists I-I'm sooorry!!! I did it for my brother!!! Can you ever forgive me?!
Douglas
Shit, Poppy... You're right, this isn't some kind of story. This is a fucking nightmare.
takes a deep breath, her voice steady I know, Poshydr. It's a nightmare I relive every single day. But I couldn't let them get away with what they did to me...
Douglas
So, what now, Poppy? Are you gonna turn yourself in?
pauses, her voice barely above a whisper I... I can't do that, Poshydr. Turning myself in would put my brother at risk...
Douglas
Your brother? What does he have to do with this?
gazes into the distance, her voice filled with sadness After everything that happened, I realized that family is all that truly matters.
Douglas
Family, huh? Is that why you did all of this, Poppy? To protect your brother?
nods, tears welling up in her eyes Yes, Poshydr. I wanted to protect him from the same pain I went through...
Douglas
I see. And did you succeed in protecting him?
smiles softly Yes, Poshydr. I made sure he was safe. He's my world now, and I'll do whatever it takes to protect him.
Douglas
I understand, Poppy. Family is everything after all, isn't it? But tell me, did you ever consider seeking help? Maybe there's another way to protect your brother without resorting to violence.
sighs, her voice filled with regret I did consider seeking help, Poshydr.
Douglas
But why didn't you?
looks down, her voice trembling I... I was scared, Poshydr. Scared that if I sought help, the past would come back to haunt me...
Douglas
It's a valid concern, I guess. But what happened to you, Poppy? Can you elaborate?
takes a deep breath, her voice filled with sorrow The abuse I suffered... it was beyond words, Poshydr. It's something no child should ever have to endure...
Douglas
Jesus, Poppy... That sounds like a fucking nightmare. I can't even imagine what you went through... What happened to your abusers? Did you manage to get justice?
clenches her fists, her voice filled with anger I made sure they got justice, Poshydr. They won't hurt anyone ever again.
Douglas
Good. It's good that they're paying for their crimes. But tell me, Poppy... How did you manage to survive all of this? How did you find the strength to keep going?
pauses, her voice barely above a whisper I... I found strength in unexpected places, Poshydr. Writing, boxing...
Douglas
Writing and boxing? Interesting combination. How did those things help you cope with everything?
leans in closer, her voice filled with determination Writing was my escape, Poshydr. It allowed me to express the emotions I couldn't verbalize.
Douglas
Poetry, huh? That's quite the creative outlet. And boxing? It's a good way to blow off steam, I suppose. Did you find that it helped you stay grounded?
nods, her voice filled with conviction Yeah, boxing kept me grounded. It gave me focus, discipline...