What I'd Say to That Little Girl

I would hold her and let her cry on my shoulder and I would tell her:

I am so sorry this happened to you. I am so sorry. It's not your fault. You did nothing wrong. You did nothing wrong. You are a sweet and good person and I love you. I am so sorry this happened to you and I'm so sorry I was not there to stop it. But it will never happen again. You are safe and I will protect you.

You don't have to keep it a secret anymore because it's not your fault. You don't have to protect him because what he did to you was wrong, very, very wrong. He should have never done anything like that to you and he never will again. He's out of your life now.

You can laugh and smile and play like you always wanted, and you don't have to worry. God loves you, and is sad because you are sad. Don't be afraid, you are all right. Nobody will hurt you anymore. You're a good girl and you are so loved and I'm so happy to know you.

Everything will be all right. Go ahead and cry, go ahead and talk, or go ahead and just sit. I will be here for you. I will never judge you, I will never leave you, I will never tell you to not talk about it. I love you and you are needed in this world. Stop crying or talking or being sad whenever you want to. And whenever you're ready, let's go out and play.

I'm here for you, whatever you want to do! I will always love you. I will never leave you.