When she spoke to me, she seemed a much softer person. She had just asked me to come and sit with her. At first, I was a bit uncomfortable. I had learnt not to trust anyone and I didn’t know in what order I would have to lie to her, and I didn’t know if I could. She seemed to look right through you.

“So you have a girlfriend back home?” she asked me. I hadn’t mentioned Tina’s name, just that there was a girl.

“Yes, but I screwed up. I don’t think she’ll take me back. Jodie was my ex, and she had disappeared and I had never been able to find closure. Than she came back, and I left my girlfriend to follow her. She told me a story about helping her and her sister and how we would be alone afterwards, be together, just us.”

Marina nodded. “I know that story. She has told many girls the same. But I would not be so sure that your girlfriend won’t take you back.”

“There is no way she will. If I even get out of here, which is unlikely.”

“Not as unlikely as you think. I believe that everybody deserves a second chance. I am able to give you that second chance. You don’t have to sell your body to the night.”

“What do you want in return?”

“Nothing.”

“How is that possible? Why do you do it then?”

“I have my reasons of which I am not sure I should tell you. Let’s keep it to this; I know what the life you are leading is like. I have escaped in a way I am not proud of, but now I can help girls like you. It’s what I want to do. So, come with me.”

“So you are sure they will let me go?”

“It doesn’t matter. Have you got any belongings left?”

I quickly thought. The picture of Tina was with me all the time now, I didn’t leave it anywhere where it could be harmed.

“No.”

“Let’s go then.”

“Now? Shouldn’t we… I mean, you have to… pay,” I whispered the last word.

“That will be taken care of.”