My father looked at me with red-rimmed eyes, his voice choked with emotion as he cautiously reached up to stroke my hair. "Karen, I'm so sorry for what you've endured."

Unable to hold back any longer, I threw myself into his embrace, sobbing uncontrollably. I clutched his arms tightly, wanting to pour out every ounce of anguish I felt.

My father gently patted my back, murmuring, "It's okay now