Until one day I realized it wasn’t soap at all, my dad insisted that I take a shower with the soap he gave me because I always smelled horrible.
Dad insisted on the same thing every time: “Go take a cold shower; you smell terrible.” This is the soap—just this. I did what he said and didn’t question anything. My skin was wounded by the cold water, and I felt lightheaded from the piece’s overpowering odor.
I was getting worse every day: weakness, dry skin, insomnia, etc. Mom said nothing. We used to tell each other everything, so it was odd that she was always quiet.
My father insisted that I still smelled horrible even after I washed myself three times a day.
One night, my boyfriend dropped by. When I could bear it no more, I inquired:
— Be honest with me. Do I have an unpleasant odor?
He chuckled, assuming it was a joke, but he stopped when he saw how serious I was. At last, I informed him about the situation at home. He went into the bathroom a few moments later and returned with a piece of soap in his hand, trembling as pale as a wall.
— Who handed this to you? — His voice faltered.
— Dad What?
In his hands, he held his head:
— This isn’t soap! You used this to wash, but why? This is…
Pests are treated and kept away with its help. It is not meant for human use; it is an industrial product!
Before my eyes, the world became hazy.
My throat became locked with the words, “What do you mean?.”
He twisted the soap gently in his hands, revealing the tiny print on the packaging’s reverse side.
Take a look. Black on white: “Treating pesticides.” It makes sense why you’re feeling ill.
The chilly bathtub’s tiled surface seemed to drag me to the floor as I sunk to the edge. I could hardly understand what he was saying since my heart was beating so loudly.
Fear, betrayal, and anger all mingled inside of me to form a knot. My dad made me use this, but why? Why didn’t Mom say anything?
My partner took a seat beside me and put his arms around my shoulders.
He asked softly, “Do you hear?” “We’ll fix this.” This will never be used by you again. I’ll learn everything.
However, his eyes said more than words. Concern was present, along with another factor. It was obvious that he understood more than he was expressing.
