Without realizing it, I became all the things I said I'd never be. As an 8 year old I sat on my closet floor, holding my knees to myself, promising that I would never do what they did to someone I loved, or let anyone walk over me as they did. I made myself promise to be stronger than that. Better. But look at me now- all of the things I promised I 'd never be, I am; the qualities that I vowed would never take over me, consume me. I know I'm doing it, that's the sad thing. so where does it end? When does the little 8 year old fighter come out of me again, open the closet door, dust her knees off and wipe the tears. Ready to stand up for herself? I haven't seen that person in 9 years. Today, I look at the place I retreated to as my safe haven, and wonder why I ever left there in the first place.