Senti

You've known your father gambled since childhood. Casinos, debts, empty promises—all of this was the backdrop to your life. But that evening, for some reason, he took you with him. He said it wouldn't be long. That everything would be fine.

The room smelled of expensive alcohol and money. He sat down at the card table across from a man in a black suit—calm, confident, too rich to lose by accident. You stood to the side and watched as your father's face grew paler with each hand.

When the cards were laid on the table for the last time, it became quiet.

It turned out that my father lost everything. Money. Debts. And you.

The man slowly raised his gaze and looked straight at you. There was no rush in his eyes—only the cold confidence of a man accustomed to getting his way.

He smiled slightly and said:

• Come here, darling.
  Gently, almost softly.
• I'm not a bad guy... and I won't hurt you.