Swanson asked whether the girl could turn to other adults.
The teenager texted: “I talked to my sex ed teacher but she wasn’t much help. She made me feel ashamed.”
Swanson replied: “I am sorry to hear that. Please don’t feel ashamed. That won’t help anything and this situation certainly does not determine your worth as a human being. Life is full of twists and turns and difficult times — it’s how we handle them that matters — at least that is what I believe.”
Swanson promised to send her phone numbers for public health clinics in her area.
“Be easy with yourself,” she texted. “You’ll be O.K.”
The next morning Swanson texted her the contacts. “I hope these numbers can connect you with somebody who can take more time thinking this through with you.”
The cellphone vibrated in reply.
“Thanks.”
Swanson has not heard from her since.
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