1 Prologue: The Storyteller

If I asked you to tell me the story of your life, what would you tell me?

You would search for rusty stories in your head to tell me a vague, long and perfect testament to fulfill my expectations that lie in the yearning for it to be the best story. But in this sentence there are two strands to pull from in order to win. And if you are clever you will tell me your steps and falls that lead to this thing we call "life".

Loses who provides too much without thinking. Triumphs the one who gives little after analysing. And no, this phrase is not from authors, it is mine -only mine-. Invented by me to catch your eye.

Because my role is to bind them to my words and to make you anchor your fingers to each page.

"Tell me"

"Tell me"

"Tell me"

How many stories have I told already?

You must already know them all. What would be so interesting about another one? A thousand words and a little more. A beginning, middle and end.

You tell me,

What makes this story so special?

Why should I tell you one more story?

While my tongue burns as I speak, my conscience is consumed with the knowledge that this will be just another of the thousands I've told you and will be forgotten. Beginning with a "Once upon a time" and ending with a finale that doesn't quite satisfy your hunger. But you know, I like that feeling. Extending that fire to my soul to ignite that flame that they call "passion" and that is the fuel that keeps me sane in any situation.

I don't know if you will listen to me completely. I don't know if you will stay until the end. The only thing I know and care is to tell this story because the wise and carnivorous minds deserve to tell it to their their nearest and dearest.

This story will just begin as soon as you sit down in a chair and are prepared to pay attention to this life I am about to tell you.

So, are you ready?

- The storyteller from the Chorrillos Women's Prison Annex

Note: All her stories have been typed and are stored in the vault.