Saving Sabine, a contemporary fiction novella, is based on an experience during a family vacation in London. It is part of the European Collection, a series of short stories inspired by my travels while stationed in Wiesbaden, Germany. Although the characters are imaginary, the narrative reveals an underlying issue plaguing many cities around the world. Prostitution often considered the oldest profession.
Promises of a job or better life continue to be a ploy enticing young girls from their homes. Often leading to a dead end far worse than they ever anticipated.
My heart still aches for the young woman I met in the bathroom of the Hard Rock Cafe London sometime in 2003.
My family of seven had traveled to the famous British city for a long weekend. London Tower, Buckingham Palace and Lion King at Lyceum Theatre were on our itinerary. After a fun day of the sights and ample time enjoying Princess Diana’s Children’s Playground, we wove through the city streets looking for a restaurant in which all of us could agree. My small kids wanted burgers. Exhausted, my husband and I quickly agreed.
Seated at an oversized round table downstairs, the only one in that space, we were relieved not to have all eyes on us.
I first sensed someone hiding in the restroom when I helped my little one potty. We made several trips in and out of the ladies’ room before Sabine — not her real name — built up the courage to emerge from the stall. In bits and pieces, she told me about her family… and her little boy. I was confused when she mentioned something about two men on the street waiting for her. I didn’t grasp her meaning until we left. The thugs barged into the restaurant blathering about a woman in the restroom. Management quickly escorted them out.
It took me hours to digest what she had been trying to say. With my kids finally in bed, my brain spliced her words together. I had overlooked her barely-there clothes and her sad demeanor.
All these years later, she still resides in my thoughts. And I wonder how many others I’ve passed without noticing.
My heart hurts for them. Every. Single. One.
Read about Jenny Medcalf, her true story of life on the streets of London and why she now works the streets helping other woman caught in the life of prostitution.
So I dedicate this story to Sabine, and all the others, who left home seeking a better life only to earn disappointment and squelched dreams.
May we all find purpose in helping another in need.
Can you relate? Tell me in the comments below.
