A Marble Statue

a marble statue



‘Because … I want to depict the girl in prostitution: an object of beauty and desire,
a statue with no voice.’

I am 21, and I’ve been in this shelter since I was 14. I came from a good family and had a happy childhood. Then my father disappeared for 5 years. He suddenly returned, bringing another wife with him, and my mother ran away. I was miserable and wanted to escape. I met a girl who convinced me to go away, and she sold me to a brothel. Soon after I was rescued, I realized I was pregnant and HIV positive. Maybe I’m luckier than most. I have a fiancé who accepts me, and I have a healthy daughter. My only wish is for a cure for this virus so that can feel free.