I was 9 years old when this happened. I grew up in a Southeast Asian country where rape, kidnapping, and human trafficking were common. My parents always told me and my siblings to never speak to strangers or go with anyone we didn't know. I was the oldest child, so my parents trusted me to always know the right thing to do and to protect my siblings.

My family and I were on vacation with my uncle and aunt. We stopped at a shopping mall. My siblings, who were 5 and 6 years old, wanted to play at McDonald's Playland. So, my parents told me to supervise my siblings while the adults went shopping. For some reason, they felt okay with leaving me in charge even though I was only 9 years old. Also, the shopping mall was in an upscale neighborhood and they felt it was safe.

I sat at a table near the Playland and watched my siblings. I noticed the manager looking at me. He was in his 20s. Ten minutes later, the manager sat down across from me and started talking to me. "Where are your parents?" he asked. "They went to a store. They will be right back," I replied. "You're very pretty. How old are you?" I felt uncomfortable, but I replied, "Thank you. I'm 9." The man didn't touch me, but he visually examined me. "You're here by yourself?" he asked. "No. My sister and brother are playing over there. My parents will be back soon."

The man continued to ask me questions, and I politely answered while repeating that my parents were coming back soon. I really wished for them to come back and rescue me. The man said, "Hey. Do you want to go to the back room? I have cool things to show you." I told him no because my parents always told me not to follow strangers. The man insisted, "Come on. Let's go. It won't be long. Just come with me." Again, I said no. He said, "Let's just try to scare your parents as a joke. Let's go to the back room." I kept saying no and desperately scanned the restaurant for my parents.

Finally, the man gave up and left. I was only a young girl, but I understood what could have happened if I had followed him. I could've been raped, kidnapped, or murdered. I could've been trafficked and not seen again. Also, I was upset with my parents for leaving their kids behind without adult supervision.

I never told anyone about this incident, not even my parents. It bothered me to think of what could have happened.

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