Alex

I pulled up to the pump closest to the door.

For the first time today, I didn't really need to use the bathroom.

But I really wanted to splash cold water on my face, try to calm myself down.

I made my way to the bathroom with reluctancy.

The first thing I noticed when I got into the bathroom was that it was occupied.

It was just a room with a toilet and a sink.

There was girl number four, standing in front of the sink.

I didn't try to turn and leave this time, and I didn't try to speak right away either.

I observed her.

She was staring at her own eyes in the reflection, and she was crying, just like the others.

I needed to try and break the cycle.

One of them had to do something differently.

Instead of turning to leave, I took a step towards the girl.

Wait, she says, please don't leave.

I wasn't trying to leave.

Are you all right?

Wiping her eyes dry from the tears, she had been crying.

She quickly replied, I just don't want to walk back to my car alone.

There was a man outside when I got here who wouldn't stop harassing me.

I took another step towards her and she didn't flinch.