I’m in love with Linnea.
And she is in love with me.
We are in special needs high school.
When we are older, we are going to get married.
Then we will have an apartment together
so we can be together all the time.
But last week
my mother told me
that I am getting married this summer.
To a man
I have never met.
I really do not want to do that!
I don’t know him!
And I’m in love with Linnea.
My parents are going to be angry
if I object.
I know that.
I told Linnea.
We cried together
and held each other for a long time.
Linnea told our teacher
what had happened.
The teacher said that there is
something called a women’s shelter.
There, I can get help and protection
if someone
were to try to force me.
I can even stay there.
It feels nice to know
that help is available.
You have the right
to choose
who you want to be with yourself.
It is illegal
to force someone
to get married.
If your family forces you
to get married
you should get help.
Contact social services
or the police
if you feel afraid.
Shelters
are also available for
men and trans people.