Seeking Justice

Ashley sat in the cold, sterile police station, her eyes scanning the small room as she waited for the officers to finish processing her case. The fluorescent lights above hummed softly, casting an unforgiving glare over the drab, beige walls. A faint scent of disinfectant wafted through the air, making her stomach turn. She had been here for what felt like hours, and she was still trying to come to terms with everything that had happened. The officer, a kind-faced woman with a gentle smile, came over to Ashley and explained the process. "We're going to need to take some photos and collect some evidence from you," she said, her voice soft and soothing. Ashley nodded, feeling a lump form in her throat as the officer led her to a small area where a photographer was waiting. The photographer, a quiet man with a camera slung around his neck, smiled sympathetically at Ashley. "Don't worry, this will be over soon," he said, before snapping a few photos of her bruises and scratches. Ashley winced as he got too close to a particularly tender spot, but she tried to stay still, knowing that this was all part of the process. After the photos were taken, the officer led Ashley to a different room where a nurse was waiting to collect a DNA sample. Ashley felt a surge of anxiety as the nurse explained what she needed to do, but she steeled herself and followed the instructions. The nurse was gentle and professional, and Ashley was grateful for her kindness. Once the DNA sample was collected, the officer took Ashley's statement, typing away on her computer as Ashley recounted the events of the previous night. It was a difficult and painful process, but Ashley knew that she needed to do this. She needed to make sure that Jordan was brought to justice, and that no one else had to go through what she had gone through. As she spoke, Ashley couldn't help but think about how her life had changed in just one night. She had gone from being a carefree, happy young woman to a victim of a heinous crime. The thought made her angry and scared, but she pushed those feelings aside, focusing on the task at hand. After what felt like an eternity, the officer finished taking Ashley's statement. "I'm so sorry you had to go through this, Ashley," she said, her eyes filled with compassion. "We're going to do everything we can to make sure that Jordan is held accountable for what he did." Ashley nodded, feeling a small sense of hope. She knew that she still had a long way to go, but for the first time since the assault, she felt like she was taking control. She was seeking justice, and she was determined to see it through. The officer handed Ashley a piece of paper with a contact number on it. "This is the number of the victim advocate who will be working with you," she explained. "She'll be in touch with you soon to check in and see how you're doing." Ashley took the paper, feeling a sense of gratitude towards the officer. She knew that she was in good hands, and that she would get through this. As she left the police station, Ashley felt a sense of determination wash over her. She was going to get through this, and she was going to make sure that Jordan paid for what he had done.