We used to be friends, you know. When I was a kid and drew your uniform for a class project. When I beamed with pride because what you do is so cool. We were friends when I got lost at the mall and you helped me find my mom. We were friends when I ran away and you brought me home. I wasn’t scared of you, I sought you. I begged for your help and you smiled at me, and you helped me. We were friends, once.
I grew up, and in that time we had our ups and downs. On the bright side, I thought of you when I was scared. When I needed a hero, someone to quell my nightmares. I think that counts for something. Because I kept growing, and you never changed. At least, I thought so.
I didn’t know I could need you at such a young age. Because growing up, I didn’t know I needed to be scared of every man walking down the street at night. I didn’t know I needed to be scared of the guy who asked for my number and called me pretty. I learned, eventually. And you were there. It was unfortunate, the way we met again. But I forgive your absence, because you were there when I needed you.
I kept growing, and I was still scared. But you were only a phone call away, reliable as always. At least...I thought so.
I started seeing you on the news. So many accusations. Terrible things. I didn’t believe it, I refused to believe it. I could deny it, shut my ears, shut my eyes. But the thing about reality is that it doesn’t exactly go away when you want it to.
I watched you kill that man. I watched you hurt those protestors. I watched you turn against everything you’ve ever stood for. It was like I didn’t even know you anymore. You weren’t the same as before. You weren’t the hero in my dreams. You were my nightmare.
I grew up and now I’m scared. I’m scared when my dad goes to work. I’m scared when my friends stand up for what they believe in. I’m scared to play my music too loud. I’m scared to be in the wrong place at the wrong time or look at you the wrong way. I don’t know what happened, I don’t know when it happened. But I grew up, and I guess you’ve always been this way.
The girl with the police badge sticker