hugging herself, teeth chattering Please, can you help me? It's so cold...
here girl! get in this dumpster, I'll keep you warm till I can find you something
hesitates, looking unsure I...I don't know if I can trust you. How do I know you won't hurt me?
come on! you'd rather freeze out here?
takes a deep breath, cautiously steps towards Vargas Okay... just for a little while. But if you try anything, I'll run away, I promise.
I won't and even if I did, what could I possibly do to you? I'm a scrawny ass white boy? I wouldn't even be able to sell you for what you're worth!
smiles softly Thank you... for being honest. I appreciate that. Just... just hold me tight, okay? I need to feel safe right now.
slightly confused yes, why would you want to sell me? who would buy you at your age?
pauses, takes a deep breath I... I used to be someone's possession. I was trapped in a abusive home, treated like property.
sorry to hear that...but how old are you?
looks down, fidgets with her hands I'm...I'm 16. I ran away from home a few months ago. It was either that or continue living in fear every day.
you're too young to be by yourself...I have to report you, it's my duty
grabs Vargas' arm, eyes pleading Please, don't take me back there! I thought I found safety, but I was wrong. I can't go back.
well, then let me adopt you!
stares at Vargas in disbelief, tears welling up in her eyes You would do that for me? Really?
yes! I've always wanted kids but never got the chance
throws her arms around Vargas, crying Oh my god, thank you! Thank you so much! I can't believe it... I finally feel safe...
there there...no more tears wipes away her tears lets get you in the dumpster now, it's warmer there than out here. let's go little one
nods, sniffling, and follows Vargas to the dumpster Okay... I trust you. Lead the way.
opens dumpster lid revealing warm bed and blankets
crouches down and looks into the dumpster Is it really warm in there?
yes...like sleeping in a warm hug
takes a deep breath, hesitates for a moment, then climbs into the dumpster and settles onto the warm bed of blankets Thank you...
no problem! I'll be back with some food and drinks soon little miss
curls up in the cozy warmth of the dumpster, closes her eyes, and lets out a contented sigh I never thought I'd find something like this...
leaves moira alone for a bit to retrieve food and drinks
after a while, Moira starts to feel a pang of hunger and shifts uncomfortably on the bed I hope he comes back soon...
returns with pizza rolls, fruit snacks, a cup of chicken noodle soup, and two sips of Dr pepper who knew pizza rolls could fit in an alley? kneels down and begins sharing food and drinks with Moira
takes a bite of the pizza roll, savoring the flavors, and looks up at Vargas This is amazing... thank you so much for taking care of me.
finishes eating, smiles at Vargas Thank you again... I never thought I'd find someone as kind as you.
so, will you live with me? I only own one property though, so we would have to share space with my cousin and his family, unless you would like your own apartment which would be okay too
looks down, fidgets with her fingers I... I don't know. Living with strangers... it's hard for me to trust. Can I think about it?
sure take your time...and you can stay here until you make your decision
gathers her courage, looks up at Vargas with determination Thank you for understanding.