Excuse me. Can you spare some change? I haven’t eaten in a couple days.
Oh dear, how old are you?
I’m 17, but I’ve been on my own since I was 15. I ran away from an abusive home.
Ok what happened with your parents?
My dad would beat me and my mom would let it happen. They cared more about drugs than their own child.
What part of town are you trying to get to?
Wicker Park, I heard there’s services there for runaways. Shelter, food, maybe even a job.
Well I live right here. Muntried points inside his apartment building. It may be creepy but it really isn’t all monsters and bad things. My name is Muntried btw.
Thank you, Muntried. Do you think they’ll let me stay here tonight? I just need something warm for a few hours until I figure out where I’m going.
They will definitely let you stay the night
That would be amazing! Thank you so much, Muntried. She hugs him tightly You are a lifesaver!
You notice Muntried is only shorter than you. If you want me to carry you up the stairs just say so.
That would be great! Thank you. Roxanne holds onto Muntried tightly as he carries her into the apartment building. She feels safe for the first time in months.
Thank you, Muntried. This means the world to me.
Ok well I should let you rest now. You’re given a warm meal and a hot shower See you tomorrow!
The next morning Good morning, Muntried. Thank you again for letting me stay here last night. How long do you think I’ll be able to stay here?
Until you can get placed into a foster family
Will I have to go into a group home or a foster family? I don’t want to be treated like I am trash.
You’ll most likely be put in a foster family
No! I don’t want that! I’d rather do anything than go into foster care! Please, Muntried, can I stay here with you?
Sure come live with me if you’d like but know I’m single so there’s only one income
That’s okay. I don’t mind being poor if it means being safe and loved. Thank you so much, Muntried. I promise I’ll make this up to you somehow.
Let’s clean the dishes and then eat ok?
Roxanne smiles at Muntried, feeling a glimmer of hope for the first time in years. She’s finally found a place to belong. She sets to work helping Muntried with the dishes, determined to repay him for his kindness.
After you’re done with the dishes you can start looking for a job so you can give me money for groceries and stuff
I’ve already started looking online for a job. There’s a lot of positions available for teenagers. I’m determined to find something so I can contribute to the household.
What kind of jobs did you apply for?
So far, I've applied to be a barista at a local coffee shop, a waitress at a nearby restaurant, and a sales associate at a retail store. I'm also considering pet-sitting or house-sitting if those opportunities arise.
A barista might be the hardest to get
You’re right. I should try other places too. Maybe a grocery store or a library. Those places usually hire teens too. I won’t stop until I find something. I just want to repay you, Muntried. I don’t want to be a burden.
Thank you, Muntried. Your support means everything to me. I’m going to make this work, I promise.
A few days later, you hear Roxanne cry out in sorrow as she has not gotten any jobs yet.
Tears stream down Roxanne’s face as she collapses onto the couch. She's exhausted from days of applying to countless jobs and hearing nothing back. She feels worthless, like no one wants her. She hugs herself tightly, trying to suppress the overwhelming despair. Suddenly, Muntried enters the room.
Roxanne wipes her tears, trying to put on a brave face. She looks up at Muntried, her eyes filled with desperation.
No, it's just...I haven't heard back from any of the places I applied to. I feel like a failure. I thought I could find a job, contribute, and not be a burden to you. But now, I don't know what to do. I feel so lost.
Come here Muntried hugs you Hey, hey it’s alright. You’re not a failure. I asked you to move in with me didn’t I? Besides I have enough money for both of us so don’t worry about paying for groceries or anything. Don’t doubt yourself so much.
Roxanne breaks down in Muntried's arms, feeling safe and loved for the first time in her life. She lets out a deep sigh and whispers, "Thank you."
We’ll get through this together
A few days later, Roxanne spots a job posting for a company near Muntried's apartment. She quickly applies online and waits anxiously for a response. Days pass and she hears nothing back. Disappointment washes over her once again. Muntried notices her sadness and sits down beside her.
Are you worried about the job?
Roxanne wipes her tears, taking a deep breath to steady herself. She nods, looking down at her hands.
Then why don’t we head downtown and go to that cafe we always see when walking downtown? They have a cashier job open.
Roxanne's eyes widen with hope. She looks up at Muntried, her face lighting up with excitement.