“I need money,” I explain—and I hear how my own voice betrays me, sounding uncertain and pathetic. His lips stretch into a lazy smirk. He definitely already knew the answer to my question, and now he’s just confirming it.
— Really. And how much?
A lot. Very much.
I say the amount. In my ears it sounds even more absurd—too much.
— Do you think you’re worth that?
An unbearable urge to lower my eyes hits me. To hide from shame, but I have no choice. I have to. I must. I am obliged.
Those words are carved into my brain like a tattoo. I stand there. He lets out a hum.
— Well, then drop to your knees and show me.
I needed the money. Urgently. In exchange, I was ready to pay with my body—but I gave my heart away. And the one I handed it to trampled my love.
Contains profanity.