All rights reserved. Growing up, my parents made sure my three siblings and I were always well-fed and went to good schools. We were a loving, close-knit group. They were devastated. To help cover the costs of her abortion, school fees and all her other expenses, Mum and Dad took a loan and moved her to another university so she could still continue with her studies. After she graduated, she got a job overseas β and none of us have heard from her ever since. Continue on next page Things started going downhill thereafter.
We could barely pay the bills. To pay off our loans and debts, Dad resorted to selling whatever assets he had. Mum cried a lot and Dad kept to himself. It was a really difficult time for my family. Still, my siblings and I were able to pursue university degrees. I spent most of my time in the library and often went home late at night. One evening, returning early, I was shocked to find them eating only steamed tapioca.
That sight left me in tears. Continue on next page The burden of providing for us had become too much for my parents to bear, so I immediately applied as a part-time tutor to help ease their financial woes.
However, the tuition centre I was working for closed down soon after. A restaurant took me in as a part-time kitchen helper and dishwasher at night, so I could go to class and study during the day. My siblings had part-time jobs too, but their pay was too low. During my search for a better paying job, I came across a massage parlour advertisement that was linked to an escorts-for-hire website. As much as I valued my dignity, I could not bear to see my parents suffer any longer. I decided to leave my personal details on the website.
I soon became quite popular. Deep down, I felt ashamed that I was doing this and I considered myself a sinner and broken beyond repair. But the money I earned from these outings was nothing compared to what I received when I sold my virginity to a French expat. The amount I got was more than sufficient to support my family for half a year.
