My Dear, Valentine

e terrifying than meeting a woman with such heavy makeup. Her sharply arched eyebrows, th

expect you to grow up so much," she said, her ring-adorned finge

o be called Madam-a title that felt slightly ridiculous to me. She was t

now?" she asked,

n this place, once the girls reached twenty, Claire would take them to her brothel, and their repayment would begin. Since Claire had provided for t

ough to give me chills. Although they said Claire was fair by splitting their

m hips and alluring chest. I can hardly wait until you're ready," s

ing fun at my other house?" she offered. I bit my lip

fetch you," she said, chuckling. Her laughter

The tenants here came of their own volition. Some were very young, and until they reached the age Claire des

laire, I had been here since I was a baby, brought by my mother.

t remember her face because I was too young. As for my father? I did

at they called Claire's brothel. It was named so because most of it was painted yellow an

not yet of age and still safe from being taken to the Sun House. At this poin

ble. Fancy clothes, delicious food, and entertainment were provided, including television with engag

I had no intention of stepping foot in it. All

The woman was tortured in such a brutal way that no one ever heard from her again. Some said Claire

escaping, the fear of

houghts. Sandra and I had steady jobs washing dirty linens and clothes from the brothel-sheets, pillowcases, and other items

arce here. Who was friend and who was foe? Sharing my t

morrow would bring. I didn't want to end up like my

me tenants gave me money for extra work, like doing their chores

dra as we sat on the stairs, taking a break after hangi

eautiful clothes and flashy jewelry every day. And she's o

and jewelry?" I

least at the Sun House, I'd meet more people.

or disgusted by the job, but I held b

o one could leave or enter without strict supervision. Wh

items arrived weekly. If anyone needed to leave for emergencies, lik

n't yet figured

in thought when loud

turning to Meggie, who

un House today?" I asked

eling well,

ere? You should res

?" Meggie asked suddenly, making Sa

u mean?" Sa

to escape," M

how comfortable it is here?" I asked, confused. Me

en sobs. My breath caught as Sandra gen

rible men. They were so rough, and m

?" I

pt threatening me," she replied. She started crying ag

ouse being enjoyable were lies. But I nev

n her arms and legs. Those were just the visible

repeated, her body

ing at me. Truthfully, I had none. Who co

succeed or die," I replied. Sandra shuddered, likely realizing fo

suspicious if we linger here," I said, helping Meg

and I left her room. Neither of us spoke until we were back in our own. I

*

ily, barely registerin

. I grumbled, heading for the door. When I opened

outed as they passed me. My breath hitched, and