I was born because of a fortune-teller’s words.
He said I was “destined to bring a younger brother,” so I was allowed to live. My price was five thousand yuan: an advance payment for the bride price my brother would need one day.
When I was sixteen, my father accepted money from a bachelor in the neighboring village, and for the first time, my price was paid in full.
I knelt on the ground and begged for a long time before I was given a sliver of hope.
Later, I met a man. I thought he was my salvation, my true love.
Then he forced that cup of medicine down my throat. Smiling, he counted another, thicker wad of cash and bowed and scraped to the buyer. “Please, inspect the goods.”
Only then did I understand: my price had gone up.
But I don’t believe in fate. I’m determined to make something of myself and live with dignity.
