April 26, 2025
by Sarah Anne Lawson

Today has been one of the hardest days of my life. My sister was taken to the hospital again—this time, she’s been admitted. She’s telling me that her boyfriend isn’t abusive, but I’ve seen this before. It’s not the first time he’s hurt her. Each time, she says she won’t forgive him, but somehow she always ends up back in his arms. She says she’s not sure if she wants to press charges, and I just don’t know how to help her.

He’s broken into her house before. I’m terrified that the restraining order won’t be enough to keep him away. I don’t think she fully realizes just how dangerous this situation is. Every time she tells me it’ll be okay, I feel the weight of the fear and helplessness that crushes me. I feel like I’m watching her drown, and there’s nothing I can do to pull her out.

It’s hard, seeing someone you love go through this kind of pain, and even harder when they can’t see it themselves. I’m scared for her, and I don’t know what to do anymore. I just want her to be safe, but I’m so afraid she’s too deep in it to leave.