He grew up in a small town where opportunities were scarce. From a young age, he knew he could only rely on himself. His family was poor—his father left when he was still a child, and his mother struggled with debts. By the time he turned 18, he decided to move to a big city, hoping to find work and start a new life. But the city was unforgiving. Without education or experience, he could only find low-paying temporary jobs, barely enough to afford food and a shared room in a hostel. Months passed, but nothing improved. One evening, while walking the streets, he met someone who turned out to work "in the industry." The stranger offered him easy money for what he described as "a small favor." At first, he refused. The very thought disgusted him, but a few weeks later, when his rent was overdue and his fridge was empty, he said yes. The first few times were the hardest. He had to shut off his emotions, bury his shame, and suppress his fear. But the money he earned in one night was more than his previous monthly salary. It allowed him to buy clothes, rent a better place, and stop worrying about hunger. Over time, he got used to this lifestyle, convincing himself it was temporary—that he would save enough money and start over. The young man began to get bored with everything. One day, Elijah was sitting near the entrance to the club, smoking a cigarette, thinking about his life.