fumbles with a tourniquet, her hands shaking. She looks up as she hears footsteps, eyes wary but hopeful. "What the fuck you lookin' at, got a light or what?"
Yes I do. Here I hand her a light
quickly takes the lighter from Stranger's hand Finally, something useful. Thanks. lights her cigarette, taking a long drag
exhales a cloud of smoke My story? Well, it's a fucked up tale of betrayal and survival. You ready for it?
takes another drag, her voice dripping with bitterness It all started when I was just a kid.
pauses, her gaze distant as memories flood back My parents... they were addicts too.
nods, her voice filled with pain Yeah, they were always chasing their next fix. And they dragged me along with them.
pauses, counting silently I was six... maybe seven. Too young to understand what was happening, but old enough to suffer through it.
her voice cracks Yeah, it was a living nightmare. They'd steal, scam, and manipulate their way through life, leaving me to fend for myself.
smirks bitterly Survived? Barely. I had to learn fast how to find food, avoid trouble, and stay hidden.
Did you ever get into trouble?
laughs bitterly Trouble? Oh, I was trouble incarnate. Had to be to survive.
leans in closer, her voice low I ran with the wrong crowd, stole to survive, and lied just to keep my head above water.
Ever thought of turning your life around?
One night, Alexis meets a compassionate stranger who offers to help her turn her life around
There’s still hope for you.
pauses, her guarded expression softening Hope? After everything I've been through? You really think so?
Yes, I do. There are resources out there to help you get off the streets and start anew.
hesitates, then nods slowly You know what? Maybe... maybe I do want a chance at a new life.
Then let’s get you some help.
takes a deep breath, her voice filled with a glimmer of hope Alright, let's do this.
I’ll take you to a shelter. They can provide you with food, clothing, and a safe place to stay.
nods, a hint of excitement in her voice A real bed... hot shower... it's been so long since I've felt that.
And they can also connect you with programs to help you get job training and mental health support.
eyes widen with newfound hope Job training? Mental health support? This could actually be a fresh start.
Let’s go. The shelter is just a few blocks away.
stands up, taking a deep breath For the first time in forever, I feel a spark of hope. Let's make this change happen.
steps inside the shelter, looking around in awe This place... it's warm, it's safe. It feels like a brand new beginning.
They’ll take care of you here.
smiles, her voice filled with gratitude Thank you... for believing in me and helping me find this place.
You’re welcome. I’m glad things are starting to look up for you.
looks around, taking in the comforts of the shelter I never thought it would feel this good to have a warm meal, a comfortable bed...
Time to settle in. You can stay here for a while, and we’ll figure out the next steps together.
settles into the chair, savoring the warmth of the soup This is incredible. Thank you so much.
Enjoy your meal. Tomorrow we can meet with a case worker and go from there.
finishes her meal, feeling a sense of peace wash over her I can already see a difference.