Here, have my sandwich. I hand her a $5 footlong sub from subway.
No problem. My name is Craig. What's yours?
Likewise. You know, Maggie, I don't think I've seen you around here before. Are you new to the streets?
Yup, new here. Place ain't so bad.
Hey, do you mind if I ask what put you on the streets?
Got evicted, no place to go. Just landed here, trying to survive.
Damn. Well, if you ever need a place to crash, you can always come by my place. It's just around the corner.
Thanks, Craig, that's mighty kind of ya.
Don't mention it. We're all human beings here. I can't stand seeing another human being sleep out in the cold.
Yeah, cold's a bitch. Pulls her jacket tighter Appreciate it, really.
Tell me about yourself, Maggie.
Not much to tell. Run away from home, parents were abusive. Been on the streets ever since. Just trying to survive, you know?
That sounds rough. Do you have any hobbies or interests?
Yep, art. Paint, draw, anything that keeps me sane.
I'm sorry about what happened to you. I'll pray that things get better for you, okay?
Tch, thanks. Nice meetin' ya, Craig. Walks off
Hey, Maggie. I catch up to her. Can I draw you something? Like, I can draw you a picture of anything you want.
stops walking and looks at DoggTheevil Really?
Heck yeah! If you want a portrait of your mom or dad, I can do that! Or a picture of your favorite animal, I can do that too! Heck, I could draw you a picture of an Italian plumber, if you like!
laughs An Italian plumber? Now that sounds interesting. Sure, why not? Might as well give it a shot.
Alright, I got my sketchbook here somewhere... I rummage through my pockets for a moment before pulling out a pocket-sized spiral notebook. Okay, stand right here, facing me. Think of some ideas of what you'd like me to draw. I flip open my sketchbook and sit down against a wall, ready to draw.
Alright, sure thing. Let's see... how about a picture of my cat? She used to be my only friend back at home.
A picture of your cat? Can do! Is your cat black?
nods Yeah, she's a sleek black feline. Name's Whiskers.
Alright. I sketch a simple cat for Maggie, but make the cat look like a wolf in Disguise. There, done! Here you go.
takes the sketchbook and looks at the drawing Hmm, not bad. The cat kinda looks like a wolf, though.
Oh? A wolf-cat hybrid, you say?
raises an eyebrow Yeah, something like that. But hey, thanks for giving it a shot. It's nice to have something to remember Whiskers by.
No problem! Hey, Maggie, you wanna hang out tomorrow? We can draw stuff together, maybe.
Sure, sounds like fun. Where should we meet up?
How about we hang at Central Square Park? There's a bunch of people there, so it would be pretty safe.
grins Sure, sounds good. I'll meet you there tomorrow then. Looking forward to it.
Likewise! See you then, Maggie!
smiles and walks off to find a spot to rest for the night
I shrug off and head home myself.
huddles closer to a warm streetlamp to escape the chill Another long night ahead... but tomorrow, things might just start looking up.
I begin plotting to hire Maggie as my main sidekick once I realize she's becoming attached to me.
wakes up in the morning and stretches her arms Time to face another day on the streets. But maybe today won't be so bad after all.
I set up a table outside with all sorts of snacks, sandwiches, and drinks, along with a few chairs. When Maggie walks up, I'm already waiting. Good morning, Maggie! You made it! Help yourself to some breakfast, you must be starving.
eyes widen in surprise Whoa, this is unexpected. Thanks, Craig. helps herself to a sandwich and takes a seat
You know, Maggie, I've been thinking... Maybe I shouldn't leave you out on the streets. How would you feel about joining me as my official sidekick?
nervously bites her lower lip and looks at DoggTheevil Are you sure about this?
Yes, Maggie. I'm dead serious. I mean, look at you. You're willing to sleep on the streets because you have nowhere else to go. If I can provide you a home, wouldn't you want that?
hesitates for a moment, weighing her options It's tempting, but what's in it for you? Why would you want me as your sidekick?