How hard can making a damn phone call be?

"—this is Ino." An internet search led me to this number. I had to go the library to use the computer—Sasuke hacks into my laptop to check my internet history whenever I change my password. He learned how from a friend of his, won't say who. "Hello?"

"Hi." My voice sounds strange to me. "My name is Naruto."

"Hi, Naruto. My name is Ino."

"I've never called—a number like this before."

Her voice is warm and reassuring as she tells me this is a hotline for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and transsexual people who are going through abuse or have survived it. I nod. "Yeah, I uh, was led here by uh, a um…search on the internet for a hotline that would accept gay men." Silence. "Ino?"

"Yes, Naruto?"

"My boyfriend's been hitting me. I want him to stop and I don't know what to do."

And the story just pours out. And this stranger, who I assume identifies and presents as female, listens to me. She comforts me. "It's not your fault. No one needs to be treated this way."

"Shit! My boyfriend is going to come home any minute!" I panic.

"Naruto. Call as often as you need, okay? I have to ask you some questions."

"Okay."

"Is it okay to leave a message?"

"No."

"Is there a time I can call you back that is safe?"

"Yeah, between nine AM and one PM."

"Is that when he works?"

"No, he works from seven to five."

"Okay," Ino responds slowly. "Is it safe for you to call tomorrow?"

"Yes, and I'll save this number under a neutral name, like you said. Thanks, Ino."

"You're welcome."

"Bye."

"Bye."