I hate my father. Like absolutely despise him. I have nightmares at least once a week abt how he used to abuse me when I was 5-6 years old. I’m haven’t been in contact with him or seen him in a couple years. I wish my siblings would see just how bad of a person he is. My oldest brother is becoming an alcoholic and he’s in my dad’s custody but he isn’t trying to help my brother. He’s standing back and watching as my brother destroys his life. He’s only 20, he shouldn’t even be drinking yet my dad isn’t putting a stop to it.

My parents split up in August of 2018. I was so mad at him for everything he did to me and my family, including my mom. He chose hard drugs, and to cheat on my mom with her childhood bestfriend. I texted him once in a while, because I was 15 and I wanted to make sure my dad knew I didn’t hate him. Then I cut off contact with him after seeing him again in December and hugging him for the last time. I was never able to see him. In March 2021, (my room was right beside the front door) I took a nap at 6pm and woke up at 8pm, to the front door being opened and my mom talking at the door, my grandma was crying and my siblings were upstairs. I was so confused and my grandma comforted me while crying, I asked her if my dad was dead. She said “yes my girl.. he killed himself..” I was in shock at first and I let out the most blood curdling cry. I regret not talking to him. I believe that it’s my fault he’s dead, because I didn’t talk to him. I have the last message he sent to me, and I read it almost every day. I wish I could have done something to save him. Maybe I could have stopped him.

• August 5, 2023