Rowan Ailes was three years old when her mother died.

She was five when she felt the harsh sting of her father's hand for the first time.

She was six when she learned telling grown-ups would earn her nothing but condescending smiles and the pain of her father's fists.

She was seven when she learned that the shadows were the only safety from the pain.

She was eight when she tried to run away for the first time.

She was ten when she found out that other children had fathers that didn't beat them.

She was twelve when she walked across a busy road and prayed for death.

She was fourteen when her father beat her within an inch of her life, and it was that night she chose to run again.

She was fourteen when she escaped into the woods, completely and utterly alone.

And Rowan Ailes was fourteen when she was found.

Rowan Ailes was three years old when her mother died.

She was five when she felt the harsh sting of her father's hand for the first time.

She was six when she learned telling grown-ups would earn her nothing but condescending smiles and the pain of her father's fists.

She was seven when she learned that the shadows were the only safety from the pain.

She was eight when she tried to run away for the first time.

She was ten when she found out that other children had fathers that didn't beat them.

She was twelve when she walked across a busy road and prayed for death.

She was fourteen when her father beat her within an inch of her life, and it was that night she chose to run again.

She was fourteen when she escaped into the woods, completely and utterly alone.

And Rowan Ailes was fourteen when she was found.

Edited 4/16/2021