Author’s Note: “Step Thirteen” or “Thirteenth Stepping” refers to when an experienced member of a Twelve-Step program such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Overeaters Anonymous, Debtors Anonymous, etc. pursues a vulnerable or new member for sex.  

Ana can’t stop crying
as she says, my father…
my father raped me.
Tom sees an opportunity.  

I can help you recover, he says.
Meet me at 6 pm.
Ana doesn’t know any better.
She’s a newly recovering debtor.  

I will save you, Tom pledges.
But don’t tell anyone else.
They’ll be jealous.
Too many program people are zealous.  

So, she turns her will
and her life over to Tom.
He’s her new Higher Power
and won’t even buy her a flower.