Several days had passed since the attack. During this time, Violetta had fully pulled herself together. The death of her grandmother and sister had been a heavy blow, forcing the little one to grow up quickly. After Lily's death, moments of weakness for Violetta were extremely rare.
Unexpectedly, an uninvited guest entered her room. But the girl immediately recognized the young woman who had saved her.
Seeing the little one, the tall girl with long black hair smiled tenderly: "I'm glad to see you're alright. My name is Tami."
"Yes, all thanks to you. I very much wanted to see you, but the doctors said I need to stay here for another couple of days. The truth is, my grandmother and grandfather are worried about my mental state."
"That's understandable, considering what you've been through. I came not only to make sure you're alright but also to make you an offer. My sister and I run a self-defense school for girls who have survived assault or sexual violence."
"I've learned a little about you. For your age, you're very smart, and I want to be frank with you. But only if this stays between us. Alright?"
Violetta nodded seriously.
"The guy who attacked you was a serial pedophile. Your grandmother and grandfather asked me not to tell you, but I believe you should know the truth."
"You're very pretty. In the future, you'll only grow more striking. But there won't always be someone nearby who can protect you," the girl said, smiling.
"My sister and I were helped to overcome the consequences, to find a new purpose in life. But there was no one around who could protect us. There were people who wanted to help, but they didn't dare. I can say for certain: these wounds will never fully heal."
Hearing the girl's words, Violetta shuddered and said sincerely:
"Thank you… I don't think I'll ever find a way to repay you."
Tami smiled tenderly and, seeing her reaction, answered softly:
"Have you seen the movie 'Pay It Forward'? If you really want to thank me — carry the principle from that movie through your life. Besides, I was told you want to become a doctor. So it will be enough for you to simply become a good doctor and save people."
"What do you say to the offer of joining our ranks? As an instructor. We have former military, special forces. You'll have to work hard. But if someone like that guy appears again, he'll have to break his teeth on you."
Frightened that something similar could happen again, Violetta agreed. But very quickly, she regretted it. The intensity of the training was such that she thought more than once about quitting. However, memories of her sister stopped that impulse every time.
Training here were not only those who had survived violence or assault but also the children of those who had managed to get through it and start families. To attend the sessions, Violetta had to give up her extra lessons.
She had doubts, and at first she even regretted her choice. But with time, she got into it. Her heart began to beat with renewed strength. The girl was lucky — she had a chance at a full life.
But even so, her training was exceptional. After all, it was Tami who had persuaded her old folks to allow these lessons.