The Destruction of Childhood

Nancy's childhood is destroyed by two events in her young, teenage life. They are rape and her discovery that she contracted AIDS as the result of her rape. It is clear from Nancy's diary entries that she is naturally happy, creative, excited, thoughtful, and hopeful about the future. She has ambitions, dreams, loves, and is deeply connected to her family, friends, and boyfriend. Her rape makes her feel like someone has stolen her soul. Whenever she thinks about it, she feels dirty and worthless.

The rape shatters her self-esteem though perhaps not to the extent that one might expect. Nancy does not exactly "bounce back" but she does try to put the rape behind her and works through her emotional trauma in counseling. She despises Collin and wants to stop him from hurting other people but she tries not to think about him and even...