The author is a survivor of childhood abuse. She has an inner child called Anna, who is five years old. The child holds all of the fears, feelings, pain, and sadness that torture a soul who has suffered a tremendous loss in their life. In Anna's case, it is her loss of innocence, love, and protection. She hides all of her pain behind a smile and pleasant hello. Inside she is crumbling, hoping that no one will notice the cracks she is trying to hide. Growing up, she learned very early in life that people are never to know what happens inside the walls of your home. Outside, everything is to look perfect. Stuff those tears inside; no one is to see them. And don't ever speak poorly of your parents. On Sunday the family marched to church. They sat in their father's selected pew, so all the town's people could see what loving parents they were. Why is it that no one ever noticed the pain and fear in her eyes?
