Everything changed that day...

The morning of July's 10th birthday marked a profound change for June and her sister, Mei. on this particular day, an unusual commotion stirred the neighborhood.

The warning bell rang much earlier than usual, setting everyone into a frenzy. Prostitutes hurriedly applied their makeup, some still batting behind their houses with cold water buckets. The kitchen was abuzz, and the sound of people running away with horses permeated the air.

"It's the red beard crew!" someone cried outside. The mere mention of this notorious pirate was enough to strike fear in the hearts of the locals, causing many to retreat to safety.

In contrast to most of the Nassau pirates, the RedBeard was more feared than respected.

June knew this all too well, and for her it sounded amazing to be that man's daughter.

"Be quick and pack up, Mei! Daddy is back!" June whispered urgently.

"I'm scared, June," Mei replied timidly.

"I need you to be strong, Mei. We can't miss this chance, okay?" June said firmly.

"But June!" Mei protested, fear painting her face.

"He may never come back to this island. We need to leave on that ship this today, no matter what," - June said with determination.

And so, the two young girls, June and Mei, made their way to El Porto where they stood proudly at the docks.

Even Mei, who was usually shy and hiding behind her sister, couldn't contain her excitement while looking to the huge pirate ships.

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Standing at the port, two young girls gazed in admiration at the ships docking, eagerly observing as pirates unloaded their wares and traders haggled with them. It was a bustling scene, teeming with activity.

"June! Is that you?" a friendly voice called out, recognizing her immediately. It was one of the Redbeard's men who had known June since she was little.

"Yes, Thulium! We're ready to talk to Dad!" June replied eagerly.

"No, no way! U-turn!" Thulium exclaimed.

"Thulium, you don't understand!That old lady at the house keeps increasing our overnight stay. Soon she will ask me to start working there with those women!" -June pleaded.

"Those women?!" Thúlium gasped raising one of his tick eyebrows.

"Yes! The ones that scream at night. It's disgusting!" June explained, the frustration evident in her voice.

Other men passing by started to laugh, understanding that she was refering to prostitutes.

But their conversation was interrupted by a commanding voice that silence everyone.

"Is that my offspring?! They are coming with us," the Red beard's voice boomed. And no one dared to defy him.

Thúlium trembled at the thought of going against the Red beard, but he understood that the girls were in danger of staying in Nassau by themselves.

He knew all too well the traps set for women in those houses, and he couldn't let that be their fate.

***

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As Julie matured, her beauty attracted much attention. Even her shabby attire failed to hide her beauty. With her fiery red hair and emerald eyes, she grew more alluring with each passing day, causing men to gawk at her.

Although there was no danger among the residents of Narsal, who knew and protected each other, on certain nights the city was taken over by strangers, fugitive slaves, and merchants. June had narrowly evaded these outsiders on numerous occasions, but she constantly feared for her sister's safety.

On the very next day, the girls depart from Nasal with the Red Beard Crew.

Standing on her father's ship, Julie couldn't help but feel a hint of sadness for leaving Nassau behind. Despite its dangers, it was her home, and she knew every resident.

As she held her sister's hands and embarked on the journey, June couldn't help but ponder the irony of it all. The beautiful starry night, the gentle swaying of the ship, the refreshing breeze, and the man standing beside her in perfect harmony on the deck... it was everything she had dreamed of. Or so she believed.

"Is beauty ever followed by pain? She wondered" while Nassau became nothing but a small light dot in the immense dark ocean.