Holy shit. I read Days 1–3 several hours ago and still feel as if my insides were ripped out. (It doesn’t help that I have two teenage daughters who are gymnasts, and one is coincidentally named Dakota…not sure if that’s your real name.) Not totally sure what to say, except I am so sorry. I so wish you would suddenly say it’s fiction.

Like Kim, I can’t bring myself to Heart — and I don’t honestly know whether I’ll make it through 97 days. But, I applaud your bravery, I hope it is indeed cathartic and I’ll do everything I’m able to support you. Whatever you feel is working for you, is absolutely what you should do and it doesn’t matter what anyone else says. You’re right that Medium has an amazingly supportive community, and several of the greatest have already responded. Figure out who makes the most sense for your situation, and quickly block any trolls that may show up. Other than that…

You are Amazing. You are as special as you were before any of this happened, and stronger than you know. Realize that this man had a tortured soul and he is not representative of the vast majority of mankind. I hope you will find a way to trust and fall in love, and understand that what he did had nothing to do with sex but everything to do with the abuse of power and inflicting pain. You didn’t deserve Any of it. You are much loved.

I’m sure you’ve heard all of that before, many times. It’s easy to understand intellectually, harder to digest on an emotional level. Hang in there. My heart goes out to you, and I’m always here if you need another ear. I’m no expert, but I’m pretty good at empathy.