There are fifteen ways for you to stay alive.

1. When you look in the mirror and see someone younger, fresh bruises on his face, his neck, and fresh terror in his eyes, close your own and look away. Tell yourself it's in the past, no matter how well you know it isn't.

2. If you wake up screaming, go back to sleep. When your sister asks the next day, pretend you don't remember what you dreamed about. Try to convince yourself it's true.

3. The next time someone who isn't family touches you, try harder not to flinch. Remember who you're with. Remember to breathe, despite how hard it is.

4. Keep breathing, even when it hurts.

5. Remind yourself to love the face in the mirror before you ever love him.

6. They're just tears. They won't kill you if they fall.

7. Don't black out when he runs gentle fingers over tattoos you forgot you had. Don't tell him how many cover scars.

8. Learn to trust others. Learn to trust him.

9. Throw away the blade. Trim your nails. Flush the pills.

10. Smile, even if it hurts.

11. If you forget how to breathe, splash water over your face and put your head between your legs. Grab your phone. Call someone. Don't lock the door.

12. Look in the mirror. Keep looking until you can recognize the strength in the person staring back.

13. When he shows you what a first time is really like, remember that that's what this is. Rape is not sex. This is still your first time. Don't let him take that from you.

14. When he calls you beautiful, try your very best not to cry.

15. Keep going.