Nina’s Story — Breaking the Cycle
Nina grew up watching her parents in a toxic relationship. The yelling, the fear, the pain — it was all she knew. She often prayed for peace, but peace never came… until tragedy struck. One night, her father was killed in the street. It was a moment that shattered her would, but it also opened a door—and escape—for Nina and her mother.
By 13, Nina found herself drawn to Marcus, a 17-year-old from around the way. Marcus was charming but reckless—a street dude caught up in the wrong things. To Nina, he felt like protection, attention, and love all at one. But one day, when she didn’t answer his calls—because she was on punishment—Marcus snapped. He showed up angry and impatient, and when he finally found her, he beat her so badly she nearly lost her life.
Marcus went to jail. Nina was left with bruises, broken bones, and a broken spirit—but she survived. Slowly, she rebuilt herself piece by piece, learning to walk, smile, and trust again.
Years later, at 21, Nina met Devin. He wasn’t like Marcus— at least not at first. Devin didn’t hit her. Instead, he tore her down with his words, controlled her through manipulation, and convinced her that love meant pain. Because he didn’t raise a hand to her, she believed it was better. She believed this was love.
But love doesn’t hurt like that. It took time, courage, and therapy for Nina to see the truth. She finally escaped again—this time for good.
“I saw it at home and thought it was okay. But now that I’m grown and in therapy, I know it’s not. Mothers, protect your children—they see everything. They may not speak on it, but they feel it. Stop thinking with your lower half and start protecting with your upper half—your mind and heart.”
P.S.
“I want to thank the Bestie Tribe for standing behind me and helping me see life from a different perspective. The way Ms. Kym talks to me—it’s like I’ve known her for years. I truly appreciate her. And thank you for my beautiful Hello Bestie bracelet—it reminds me daily that survived, and I’m still becoming.”