Osaka Nights

I was walking around the streets of Osaka late one night. It was raining lightly and the streets were empty. Down one quiet alley, there was a mysterious looking white door. The door was slightly ajar and above it was a neon sign with a couple Japanese characters. I poked my head through. A dimly lit staircase lead up to another open door that called me to delve further.
At the top of the stairs strange whispers could be heard. Through the second floor door I could see nothing but brown sheets hanging in a large room. An old man with a mustache sat 10 feet away in front of a cash register. He walked over gingerly and pointed to a menu on the wall. 17 Items were listed from least to most expensive.
The man could tell I was confused so he pointed to the second line. He held his hand out in a half fist and gestured up and down repeatedly, nodding knowingly. I had a decent idea of what was going on but I showed little reaction. Behind the curtains I heard whispers and faint groans. I took in the aroma of sweaty air and cheap incense. The old man took my silence for confusion. He waved me off like a frustrated charades player and pointed further down the list. He again extended his half fist, this time bobbing his head above it. I turned my head to the sound of a woman giggling in the next room.
When I turned my head back the old man was back at his list. This time he pointed to the seventh item on the list and began humping the register stand. After standing awkwardly for what felt like at least 50 seconds, I waved no thank you, chickened out and walked backwards out of the door.
Several times since then I've reflected on that night. I wonder if the old man is still there today, translating for American tourists. I wonder how many girls worked in that sex warehouse, and how many were there that night. Were they beautiful, or just okay? Did they wear Geisha masks, and act out asian fetishes? What really keeps me awake though is that list of 17 items. To this day I still wonder what line 15 would have gotten me. It must have been something fantastic.