A Child's Tale

[JPPT1974]

This is a young adult to mature's tale PG-13 about the child abuse in the workplace and how it affects one teenager's life.

Shelby and her husband Liam were very worried about their sixteen year old daughter Rory.
She had been working at the nation's, if not the world's retail chain store for four months. And already they suspect abuse from her supervisors.
Rory was orginally slated as a cashier. But then her bosses made her lift very, very heavy boxes even though she was tiny & small.
If she couldn't complete the work, her bosses got very angry and threatened her with termination.
Then she went to complain to the top brass but their supervisors' bosses took their side over her side.
She was written up many, many times. From being insubordinate to being not willing to do the work. Her bosses made her mop over five times.
She was the hardest working person in the store. But no matter how much harder she tried, nothing was ever good for the managers. Nor the store. And they made her stay overnight.
As a result everything from school to emotional needs began to suffer.
The usual hearty appetite Rory began eating less. And as a result of that, she lost so much weight. She began to become very skinny that her bones almost were shown.
Also the usually straight A student all of her life began getting C's & D's. As calls from her teachers began as calls of concern.
And everytime she had off, she went from school to bed and slept all day. Not wanting to get up and go to school. As she usually loves school, it was hard for her parents to get her up.
When she didn't have school, she slept all day. The usually outgoing and bubbly young teen became shy, withdrawn, and not wanting to talk to even her own parents.
But Shelby and Liam got concerned as both praticed talking to Rory. Like get a doll and talked to the doll.
Because the real thing would be harder on them as it would for Rory.
Then as they would sit at the breakfast table on Saturday as they prayed to Jesus all night on Friday about talking to Rory and what she is going through.
Then Rory came down to eat breakfast with her parents. Without even warning, she broke down and told them the whole entire truth.
About her work and how they are taking advantage of her. Not just physically. Just not sexually of course.
But how she comes home with cuts and bruises. As well as with cigarette burns since her work permits cigarette smokers.
And her normally brushed hair and her makeup beautifully. Her hair was now messed up and make-up was smeared.
She coughed up to everyting because she told her parents that she felt she would lose her job if she told them the whole entire truth. But that isn't the way Liam and Shelby came off at all.

"Honey, you are important to us! A job is just a job! We are concern about your health & well-being!
No matter what happens nor occurs, you are important to us. That is why we are here!" said a concerned and caring Shelby reaching out to a scared and frightened Rory.
"But Mom and Dad, I need the money for college. As well as also to by things with like clothes and didn't want to rely on both of you..." admitted the teen.
"But honey, like your mom says, we are concerned more about you than anything else. More than school and more than a job.
If they are taking advantage of you or abusing you in any other way. Drop everything from schoolwork to any other activity.
Because you count more than anything. That is why we are here for you. No matter what happens nor occurs" reached out an also concerned Liam.
As both Rory's parents hugged her & assured her that they would get her the help that she needed and got. And they would be right beside her no matter what anybody thinks.
"I am sure that they(the supervisors)take advanatage of other young people your age. And it has got to stop!" said Liam
"You aren't the first time nor will you be the last time honey. Those bruises & cuts as well as those cigarette burns have got to stop. And stop now!" said a determined Shelby worried about the safety of not just Rory but other young people working in those type of conditions.

 

[JPPT1974]

Then both of her parents came up to her. Not only would she be saving herself but other young people who have been taken advantage of and also mistreated.
"Honey, that is why we are here. You can find another job. But with people who would treat you right and not take advantage of you!" said a sympathetic Liam.
"He is right honey. People will take advantage of you. But this was going way, way a bit to far and out of line." Shelby leaned on Rory.
"I don't want you to come home to bruises & cuts. And most of all, cigarette burns. Which reminds me, that of course, I am allergic to cigarettes" laughed Shelby.
As Rory and Liam laughed as well. That was a very long overdue laugh from their only child.
Who has been criticized by her work(as well as written up many, many times)for not being nice enough and for not smiling that much. Then all three said a prayer.
"Dear Jesus. Please give us strength & grace that we will talk to our pastor and youth counselor.
As well as the proper autorities not for just our daughter's sake. But for other young people's sake.
To expose this kind of abuse whether physical, emotional, and/or mental. Please help us help other people as you help us dear Lord. In thy name we pray amen!"
Then the three decided to make that phone call to the proper authorities. As well as get Rory help from her pastor and youth counselor.

Over each year there are three million cases of child abuse.
That robs children and adults of child abuse of their laughter, innocence, as well as also their freedom to live life to the fullest extent.
If you or someone you know has been abused, suspect abuse, and/or want help & information.
Call the Childhelp USA Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child. The call is free and confidential. That is 1-800-4-A-Child.
For over twenty years, Childhelp has helped children and adults of child abuse get back on the road to recovery.
There are over 5,000 full & part-time counselors awaiting to take your call. 24/7, 12 months and 365 days a year. Call them at 1-800-422-4453. The next person you save could be you. So give them a call.