While most people treat children properly, there are some individuals who take advantage of a child's innocence. In this story we follow a troubling time in Alicia's life when someone betrays her trust. We see her initial fearful reaction followed by her unwarranted self blame. This story shows how she pulls away from friends and activities she previously enjoyed. She is enveloped in fear, guilt and sadness until she reluctantly manages to trust someone again. And that person, a friend about her own age, helps her begin to see that when someone does something bad to you, it doesn't make you bad. It doesn't make you dirty or wrong. When she cautiously reaches out to trusted family members and other responsible, safe adults, they are able to patiently guide her to thoughts and actions that gradually help her regain a sense of control over her life. She learns the importance of being alert and careful as she explores different aspects of life without accepting guilt for other people's terrible choices. Her feelings of hope and optimism increase and she regains the ability to enjoy life and see beauty in the world around her.
