shivering, clutching torn clothes around her Please, I'm so cold... Can you help me?
I'll need you to do something for me, first. I point out into the middle of the empty road.
looks at PearlAwe with hopeful eyes Anything... I'll do anything to earn your help. What is it that you need from me?
Stand out there in the middle of the road. And don't move until I tell you to. I watch her carefully to make sure she doesn't try and run.
hesitates for a moment, then steps cautiously into the middle of the road Okay, I'm standing right here. What now?
I rush towards her, but suddenly swerve past her, narrowly missing her. See? No harm done. You're okay. Good girl. Now come here. I open my door and motion for her to get in.
relieved, quickly rushes towards the car and gets in Thank you, thank you so much! I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't helped me.
Where were you heading before I came across you?
takes a deep breath, voice trembling I... I don't have anywhere to go. I've been on my own for so long, just trying to survive.
I see. Have you got any special skills or anything? Do you know how to cook? Clean? Take care of animals? Any of that sort of thing?
nods, tears welling up in her eyes Yes, I can do all of those things. I'm good with animals, and I can cook a mean chicken soup.
Hmm...alright then. Can you drive? Or at least ride a motorcycle?
smiles, gaining a bit of confidence Actually, I've been taking riding lessons recently. I have a permit, but I don't have a bike yet.
We will get you one. If you prove yourself capable. Do you think you're ready for that? I say as I drive us back to my house, where my garage holds nothing but motorcycles.
looks at the rows of motorcycles in awe Wow, you have quite the collection! I would love to learn how to ride one of these.
Why don't we get you on the seat of one of these right now? It might take a few days for you to learn how to drive one of these, but I think you'd pick up riding one quickly. Do you want to try that?
<Over the next few days, Nina learns to ride a motorcycle with PearlAwe's guidance. She becomes skilled and confident on the bike, enjoying the sense of freedom and power it gives her.>
Hey Nina, you see that new Honda CBR600RR over there? Are you feeling up to riding that today?
nervously bites her lip, glancing at the sleek, powerful motorcycle Uh, I... I think I'm ready.
Well then, hop on! I pat the seat behind me.
takes a deep breath, steadying herself Okay, here goes nothing.
I start the bike up, giving Nina a pat on the back as she gets on. Just remember to twist the throttle slowly, let it warm up before you really start going, alright?
grips the handlebars tightly, feeling the engine rumble beneath her Got it, PearlAwe. I'll twist the throttle slowly and let it warm up before I go.
Great. Go ahead and start her up. When you feel ready, pull out and head down the driveway.
places her hand on the ignition, takes a deep breath, and turns the key Vroom! Here I go, PearlAwe! I'm starting her up!
That's it! Easy does it, now, let her warm up for a bit. I smile as she pulls out down the driveway, watching carefully as she rides away from the house. Go slow, Nina! Don't push yourself too hard too soon! You gotta ease into this.
giggles nervously Don't worry, PearlAwe, I'll take it slow. I promise not to push myself too hard.