[Short Short] A Woman or Thai-style

"It doesn't matter which. Which one you choose is up to you."

The man who said that exhaled cigarette smoke as if he were truly enjoying it.

"A woman, or nuat."

In a room surrounded by inorganic gray walls with peeling wallpaper, the light flickered. An old chain bolted to the corner of the room fueled a sense of dread. This was a foreign land where I didn't know left from right. My life depended on this choice.

"Are there no other options?"

"None. You know that, don't you? You've done this much. You're prepared, aren't you? A woman, or... nuat."

The folding chair creaked in protest as I moved.

"A woman... no, nuat."

I could barely suppress the tremor in my strained voice.

"You're sure about nuat, right?"

The man tossed his cigarette away carelessly and said expressionlessly. The cigarette butt hit the floor, scattering a final spark. It looked like the last glimmer of the thing I hadn't chosen.

"Let me ask you one thing. What is nuat?"

The man grinned and gave a thumbs up.

"It's Thai massage."

I had made the wrong choice. A few hours ago, I saved this man from being hit by a car. This basement he brought me to as a thank you. The suspicious atmosphere made my heart feel like it was going to burst.

"Is that... a gray area?"

"No, it's white."

I gritted my teeth and looked up at the bare lightbulb.

The
End

This prompt is tough...

I participated in Tarahakani-sama's weekly short-short [Woman or Thai-style].

The previous theme is here

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