((Lone_77))

I'm trying to think of practical things that might help - here are some ideas, but please ignore them if they aren't useful or practical for you.

Feigning illness doesn't sound a bad idea, if you could do it successfully, but think it through carefully so you aren't caught out by any awkward questions.

If you end up going, is it possible for you to stay in the same room as your parents/any safe adult? This way, at least you can reassure yourself that nothing more can happen. You might be able to avoid your cousin by doing this, at least some of the time.

I'm sure you know ways of trying to keep yourself calm - I find breathing exercises helpful, but there are lots of other ways, you can find out about them elsewhere on this site.

Although your parents haven't shown any sympathy so far, it is still possible that they do care very much about your feelings, but don't show it for some reason. I'm not saying you should try and talk to them, just be prepared to notice anything positive (I'm sure you would anyway). It might help you to feel a bit more secure, perhaps.

Coping with the fear of seeing your cousin again must be really hard - you are very brave to write about it all on here. It may be that having done this has taken the edge off it, but even if not at least you know that there are people who are on your side and thinking of you. Please let us know how you are doing, before and after, if you can.


Bluegrey