After having lived in Poncitlán for some time, Magdalena's mother made some friends and was somehow able to eke out a living for her family. For Magdalena's twelfth birthday, her mother made her a simple, white dress in the style of old rancho Mexico. A few short days later, a friend of Magdalena's mother came over to ask if Magdalena could help her do some cooking. Mother agreed and twelve-year-old Magdalena trotted off to help the neighbor. Upon entering the house, Magdalena was told to wait while her mother's friend went to run an errand. To insure that Magdalena didn't run off, the lady locked the door from the outside. It was at this point that Magdalena caught a glimpse of a man in the shadows of the interior of the house. She never elaborated on what took place, but she did make it clear that on that day, she was sold into sex slavery by one of her mother's own friends. Upon returning home that day, her mother became aware of Magdalena's humiliation by the stains on the once white gown.
A rather nebulous version of what followed obscures the details of when and how Magdalena landed in Jamay working in a brothel at the tender age of fourteen. After some time, her mother went to find her, taking with her a policeman whom she trusted. They eventually found Magdalena and forcibly removed her from the brother, despite the vehement protest and denials of the "señora".
Some time later, Magdalena once more found herself in the employ of yet another "señora". She remembers being told that she owed the "lady" of the house money, but she never was sure how she incurred the debt. She was simply reminded that she still owed the "señora" and that she must continue to "work" until her debt was paid. Men of every stripe and status required her services and she became accustomed to the shame and humiliation of her trade. The "señora" always gave her a bottle of liquor on her birthday and said, "There, celebrate your birthday with that!"
We'll leave Magdalena now, lest the narrative become too lengthy. A closing post will follow soon. Thanks for stopping by!