Chapter Two: Desperation
824 Words
The rain poured harder, washing through the gutters and pounding against the roofs like angry fists.
Lina pulled her thin shawl tighter around her shoulders and stood under a half-broken shade beside a closed shop. Her hair clung to her face, her dress soaked, her slippers squelching in the mud. The street had emptied, except for the girls who lingered near the edge of the road — painted smiles, bold eyes, and hearts long hardened by survival.
She watched them with a mixture of fear and curiosity. One woman, tall and confident, stood under an umbrella laughing as a car slowed beside her. The man inside said something, and she laughed louder before climbing in. Another woman tugged at her short red skirt and called out to a passing car that didn’t stop.
Lina’s stomach twisted. She couldn’t believe she was even standing there. Just hours ago, she was beside her mother’s bed, begging for one more chance at life. Now she was outside in the rain, considering selling herself to a stranger.
Her throat felt dry even though rain kept dripping into her mouth.
“This isn’t you,” she whispered to herself. “You can’t do this, Lina. You can’t.”
But the doctor’s words echoed louder than her conscience.
Without payment, she won’t survive the night.
It was almost midnight now.
Her heart clenched. Every second that passed was another step closer to death — her mother’s death. The image of her lying motionless on that hospital bed stabbed through Lina’s chest like a blade.
A woman walked up to her, chewing gum and squinting through the rain. Her heels clicked sharply on the wet pavement.
“You’ve been standing there for almost an hour, pretty girl,” she said, eyeing Lina from head to toe. “You lost or waiting for someone?”
Lina hesitated. “I… I don’t know.”
The woman laughed, blowing a small bubble before letting it pop. “You don’t know? Honey, nobody stands on this street at midnight for fresh air. You need money?”
Lina bit her lower lip, her voice breaking. “My mother is in the hospital. She needs surgery. I need to raise four hundred and fifty thousand naira tonight.”
The woman blinked, then gave a short, sad chuckle. “You’re desperate. I can see it in your eyes.”
She leaned closer. “My name’s Tessy. People here call me Madam Tessy. I can help you, but you have to be sure about what you’re doing. Once you step into this world, it stains you forever.”
Lina swallowed hard. “I just need the money. That’s all.”
Tessy nodded slowly. “I can get you a client. Someone decent. He pays well, doesn’t like drama. You do your part, he gives you enough to take care of your mother’s bills and maybe more.”
Lina’s chest rose and fell rapidly. Her instincts screamed to run, but her mind kept showing her mother’s weak face.
“Who is he?” she asked softly.
“Not your concern,” Tessy said. “He’s rich, and he won’t hurt you. You’ll meet him at The Grand Suites. Room 407. He’ll come to you. You’ll get your money when it’s over.”
She scribbled something on a napkin and pressed it into Lina’s hand. “Go there now. Don’t ask too many questions.”
Lina’s hand shook as she held the napkin. The letters blurred in the rain.
Tessy gave her a once-over. “You look too innocent for this kind of work. But sometimes innocence is what men pay the most for.”
She turned and walked away, her umbrella swinging like a pendulum in the storm.
Lina stood still for a long moment, staring at the piece of paper in her hand. Then, slowly, she began to walk.
The Grand Suites towered above the street like a silent judge. The marble entrance glistened under bright white lights, and two guards in black suits stood by the door. Lina’s steps faltered as she reached the gate. She looked nothing like the kind of women who came here.
Her soaked dress clung to her, her slippers left muddy footprints, and her hands trembled as she tucked her wet hair behind her ears.
The guards frowned at her as she approached.
“Miss, can we help you?” one asked sharply.
“I… I’m going to see someone,” she stammered. “Room 407.”
The guards exchanged glances but said nothing. They opened the door reluctantly, their eyes following her as she walked past.
Inside, the air was cold and heavy with expensive perfume. The lobby sparkled — marble floors, chandeliers, velvet couches, and a silence that felt out of reach for someone like her. Lina’s chest tightened as she walked toward the elevator. She pressed the button with shaking fingers and stared at her reflection in the silver doors.
- Writer
