William Harkleroad

Welcome to my first blog post. Over the past years, I have considered sharing my story. I didn’t know how. So if you’re here — thank you.

Before you continue reading, consider the space you are in. Are you in a calm, safe, personal space? How are you feeling?

Some posts discuss experiences involving child sexual abuse, inappropriate sexual encounters, spiritual abuse, physical abuse, and institutional negligence. Reader discretion advised.

If at any point during reading my blog you feel unsafe, contact:

In the United States — dial 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline; alternatively, text START to 678678 to connect with the Trevor Project.

In Australia — call Lifeline at 13 11 14 or text Lifeline at 0477 13 11 14; additionally, dial QLife at 1800 184 527 for LGBTQ+ support.

September 2015

Summer had ended for William, but it left him with good memories to hold onto. Trips to the zoo with friends. Long bike rides through town. Quiet hours spent sketching ideas at school and rebuilding them later in Minecraft, block by block.

That afternoon, he rode the bus home from school already thinking about what he would work on next.

When he got home, his mom greeted him and reminded him of the plan for the day. He wasn’t staying in. He was meeting friends at the Yellow Springs pool for the afternoon.

It was the kind of plan that felt small and ordinary. A normal end to a school day. Nothing about it stood out at the time.

Later, it would.