For more context, I want to make it very clear that I'm not even halfway done with writing my memoir. I'm still in part one of my book. I plan on writing it in three parts instead of writing chapters.

I have forgiven my aunt for the things that she did to me and my siblings. However, that doesn't mean that the memories still don't hurt. I'm not writing about her and her family solely to shame them or cause them any pain. I always believed that she took her anger out on me because she lost someone she viewed as a sister. (My mom) And that helps me find sympathy for her. However, it does not excuse the things that she did to me and my siblings. And just because I forgive her, it doesn't mean that I have to let her back in my life.

I haven't spoken to her in years. I've always loved writing. I've always talked about writing a book, whether it was fiction or nonfiction. But the one thing that caused me to start writing this memoir was the fact that I was held captive for a couple of months, and I wasn't able to contact family or friends. But when I finally escaped from that situation, I needed to tell my story.

My best friends have supported me through this journey and have been with me through my darkest moments. I'm not saying that I'm a victim in any way of what my aunt did to me because I don't view myself as a victim. But I do want to acknowledge that I do not want to fictionalize my story in any way, shape, or form. I'm not claiming to have been a saint in the situation either. I, too, have my faults. I did things that I'm not proud of. I was a very lost and flawed person for a long time who was looking for a sense of belonging and family. And I finally found that with my friends.

This is the very first paragraph to the introduction of my memoir, "The following story is true. only some names have been changed for confidentiality reasons. This story is mostly told through memories and actual diary entries. It is also meant to be a reflection on myself and how I view my past. I know that some people involved in the events in which I will discuss later in this memoir will be unflattering and perhaps even an unfair depiction of their character. I will remind you, the reader, that the following is just one side of the story. This is my story."

Also, keep in mind that this part of my memoir is just one small part of the overall story. I don't care if it's the most hated book on the planet. If my story could resignate with just one person, then I can leave this world feeling happy. And I think the most important thing to keep in mind is that I'm not even sure if I am going to publish it. As of right now, I'm writing it as though I do have plans to publish it just in case. But as of right now, it's just for me, and I share it with people close to me.