If you have made it this far to be able to read this letter I take my hat off to you and I thank you with all my heart. This book and theme has not been easy to write and I cannot imagine that it has been an easy read either. Usually the things I write is sad and tragic. A little bit emo one might say. This however was way different. It was hard and cruel. Everything that I am not and I hated doing the things the E.J. that had to be done in this story. Every graphic scene made me want to puke. Every second chapter brought nightmares that woke me up in a cold sweat. The reason for that:
A lot of what you have read here in this story is true. I know it is true. I have seen it. I have felt it. Let’s leave it there, shall we? There’s a lot of fiction involved. Everything from the country, the relationship between the victim and the monster, and even the household has been changed as much as I possibly could. Maybe to protect the guilty? I don’t know…
There are many monsters in this world. Some just as bad as James. Others not so bad. Many way worse than what James could ever be. I have met some of them. I know who they are. I know for every few houses there is a pedophile just waiting for the chance to reap away the innocence of a young child, a teenager, or a women who just didn’t notice him coming. This story is a reality for way to many people out there, and it is a sad truth, a horrible thing that I do not know how to stop. I do hope that this story make a difference. That maybe some kid who is in E.J’s shoes will stand up for himself and speak up against the person abusing him. Or that you might realize this is happening to a friend of yours and stand up for him or her. That is my wish. If one person can be saved it was worth all the nightmares I have had. Then it is worth the things I went through in my past. I will hold my head high if only one person can escape or if one person gets a bit of courage from this story.

Now I am tired. Tired of this subject. But I am not allowed to be. I need to keep my eyes open. I need to keep on addressing this situation. I will do it my way, in my own time, so please stay tuned for that. I don’t think however I will put anything like this in print again. It is way too emotional. I am glad I did this. I have put many of my own demons to sleep by writing this. It has been very good for me to tell a story like this. But for now I am done and I look forward to writing something else. Something I can truly enjoy. The last 8 months of writing E.J’s story has been hell. Maybe one day I will come back and write Brody’s story. I like him. He makes me smile a lot and I know his entire story. So maybe… Yeah… Then we will all get to see E.J. again. That would be nice.
In any case. As usual I am rambling way too much! Firstly I thank you for reading this story. You are a hero just for reading it. I am sorry it is so graphic but I wanted to keep it real. Each and every one of you are special. Everyone who has sent an inbox message, I really appreciate it. Please keep them coming. If you are going through something like this, at the very beginning is numbers you can call. Please do. Get help. This only stops when you speak up for yourself. Believe me, you can do it. You have the strength. I believe in you!
If you have gone through this and just need someone to talk too. I am always here. Always available. Send a message and I promise I will reply.
I also hope to have another chapter up soon which I have asked someone much more educated than myself to write. Something that might help if you are in a situation like E.J’s, or if you know someone in a situation like that.
As for everyone else. Thank you for reading. Thank you for voting. Thank you for adding E.J’s story to your reading lists, and commenting as soon as a new chapter was released. You guys keep me going. Thank you so very, very much!
Also do not forget to check out my other story called “Listen Before You Speak”. I am also busy with a story titled “Out in the Wind”, about the issue of homeless teens in America. Cory, the main character is already so close to my heart and I hope that everybody will learn to love him just as much as I already have.

Love you all and thanks again!
C.A. Kerst