Shadow Stripper

That was my life. I'm Shadow. I was abandoned at an orphanage when I was 3 years old by my mother, whom I haven't seen for years. Later, I was adopted along with other children to work as prostitutes. At only 18, I was only working as a waiter and bartender. The owner of the place never let the clients touch us until we turned 27, men and women alike. I had to watch as my teachers were bought and lived their lives. I and the others worked hard to get bought and have a better life, but for me, love wasn't something particular or special, maybe because I never felt that affection for that feeling. When I turned 9, I started attending to the clients. Some were just looking for company, and others were just hanging around drinking, but even so, I never lost popularity. One night, as usual, we were getting ready for work. There would be wine, some dancing, others flirting with the ladies. I was doing the same, but it wasn't as entertaining as I thought it would be until I saw that woman. She entered with some bodyguards. She was wearing a long, elegant evening gown in a deep navy pink. It featured a fitted velvet bodice that cinched at the waist, with an asymmetrical shoulder design. The skirt was full and flowing, with a satin overlay that fell in soft pleats from the waist, creating a mermaid silhouette with volume at the bottom. The contrast between the velvet bodice and the satin skirt added texture and sophistication. She looked beautiful; I even felt like the bottles were going to fall at that moment, but I caught them immediately. After she took her seat, I carefully approached her, offering her a drink. She graciously accepted and allowed me to sit beside her to drink with her. She looked elegant and self-assured as she sipped her drink. I cleared my throat and looked at her. "Excuse me, my lady, could you tell me your name?" Shadow asked.

Ostania, a city with a bad reputation and a deplorable political situation, had dangerous streets. The police offered no protection and only wanted something in return, like money or women. The pay was terrible, not enough to feed a family. This was the hardest part for many in the city, but the presidents, politicians, businessmen, and mobsters enjoyed it the most. Single women had to be housewives, maids, dancers, and courtesans to bring money home, while men worked as police officers, waiters, street sweepers, bodyguards, and even prostitutes, although they didn't particularly enjoy it because most men were faithful to their wives, just as the women were to them. Some emigrated to other countries in search of a better life.