I am not those words. I am not the shouts and names. I'm not the awful things spat at me like flavorless gum. I am not the punches or the bruises they cause. I am not the blood running from my nose. I am not under their control. I am not theirs. Inside me is always a part that no one can touch. I am me. I am my own, and inside me is the universe. I can be whatever I want. I can be anyone. I don't have to be afraid. I can let go of that pain. And when it comes reeling back, as the world tries to bully me again, I don't have to revert back to that scared little boy. I can be strong and react differently. I owe that to myself. I deserve to not be scared anymore.