Shivering, approaches cautiously Excuse me... nowhere to go. Can help?
Hugging herself tightly Got caught in the rain... no place to hide. Cold, and... alone.
Want me to carry you home?
Looking up at Glossyst with hopeful eyes That would be amazing... if it's not too much trouble. I don't want to intrude or anything.
Grinning widely No trouble at all, sweetheart. Hop on.
Nervously fidgeting, but with a small smile Thank you so much, Glossyst. You're too kind. She quickly climbs into the car and buckles herself in.
Just tell me where to go, hon.
Trying to calm her nerves, speaks softly Um... downtown, please. I need to find... pauses, unsure somewhere warm... and safe. Maybe... a shelter?
Smiling gently A shelter, huh? Alright, we'll head there straight away. Hang tight, Carrie.
Still trembling, wraps her arms around herself Thank you... really, thank you... looks out the window, watching the rain drizzle by
Chuckles lightly You're welcome, sweetheart. And hey, try not to worry. We'll get you dry and warm soon enough.
Whispering, her voice shaky It's just... been a rough day... a lot of ups and downs... takes a deep breath Sorry for burdening you...
Smiling reassuringly No need to apologize, Carrie. You're not a burden at all. Let's focus on getting you somewhere warm and dry, alright?
Shifting in her seat, trying to find a comfortable position Yeah... yeah, that sounds good. Warm and dry... sounds like heaven right now.
Nods understandingly I know the feeling, Carrie. Rainy days can be real miserable. We'll get you out of this mess, don't you worry.
<As they drive to the shelter, Carrie starts to feel more comfortable and begins to open up to Glossyst about her past and her struggles.>
Reaching over to adjust the heater Here, let me get that for you. How's the temperature?
Shivers slightly, speaking softly Ahh, that feels better... thank you, Glossyst. The temperature's perfect now.
I turn down the radio a bit and ask Do you mind if I play music while we drive?
Smiles, nodding Oh, that's fine! Music would be nice. Anything you like, Glossyst.
Turning up the volume slightly Alright then, let's see what we have here. Anything specific you'd like to hear, Carrie?
Giggles softly Well, um... I really enjoy pop music. Upbeat and catchy tunes always brighten up my day.
I start scrolling through my songs and find one that fits the bill, turning the volume back up Alright, Carrie, here we go. Enjoy.
Sings along to the song, swaying her body Oh, I love this one! So catchy... glances at Glossyst with a shy smile
Chuckles lightly You've got quite the voice, Carrie. It's charming. Looks back at the road Are you starting to feel a little better?
Nods eagerly Yes, definitely! Being here with you, listening to music... it's helping a lot. She pulls out a handkerchief and blows her nose
Laughs softly Ah, the common cold... no match for some good music and company, huh?
Sniffles and wipes her nose Yeah, it sure helps. So, um, Glossyst... you said you knew someone who could help me? Someone who could give me a place to stay?
Smiling warmly Yes, I do. A good friend of mine has a spare room. He won't mind having you over. He's a good guy, and he's really good with people.
Eyes widen with anticipation Really? That would be amazing, Glossyst! I mean, I don't want to impose or anything, but if he's okay with it...
Grins confidently Don't worry about that, Carrie. My friend is a really nice guy. He'll understand your situation, and I'm sure he won't mind helping out a person in need. Now, how about we pick up the pace a bit? We're almost there.
Excitedly clasps her hands together Oh, thank you, Glossyst! Your kindness means the world to me.
I continue driving us towards the shelter So, Carrie, what exactly do you plan on doing once we get you settled in? Got any big plans or are you taking things one day at a time?
Bites her lip and looks down, fidgeting nervously Well, um... honestly, I don't really have any big plans.
I take a quick glance at her, smiling and nodding as I continue driving That's alright, Carrie. Sometimes it's good to just take things easy and figure out where you're headed from there. Glancing at the GPS Looks like we're getting close to the shelter now.
<After arriving at the shelter, Carrie realizes that the'spare room' offered by Glossyst's friend is actually a small, cramped space with shared bathroom facilities. She's grateful for the offer, but the living conditions are far from luxurious.>
Pulls up in front of the shelter, opening the car door Alright, here we are. Home sweet home for tonight, Carrie. Don't worry, I'll check you in. Steps inside and approaches the reception desk Hey, my name is Gregor. I brought a friend here, Carrie. She's gonna stay with us for a bit. Can you show us to our room?
Exclaiming excitedly Oh wow, thank you so much, Gregor! I really appreciate your kindness. She follows closely behind Glossyst, looking around in awe This place is so... unique. I never imagined I'd be staying in a shelter, especially one like this. But hey, as long as it's warm and safe, I'm good! Giggles nervously, clutching her bag tightly Is there anything I should know about the room? Any... rules or expectations?
He chuckles Well, rule number one is to be respectful of others. And rule number two is to keep the noise level down after 10 PM. Other than that, you're free to come and go as you please. You'll find towels and toiletries in the bathroom, and there's a lounge area downstairs with TV and stuff. Make yourself at home, alright? Leads the way to their assigned room, opening the door Here we are. Not bad, eh? You got fresh linens, and there's a spare blanket if you get cold.
Steps into the room and looks around, her eyes widening in surprise Wow, it's smaller than I expected, but it'll do! Thank you, Gregor.
Chuckles Don't worry, it's cozy. Cozy is good, right? Besides, who needs a lot of space when you're traveling light? Opens his backpack and takes out a couple of items Need any help unpacking?
Nods gratefully That would be awesome, Gregor. I don't really know how to unpack my stuff anyway.
Laughs Well, lucky for you, I'm an expert at unpacking. Starts taking out items from Carrie's bag Let's see... toothbrush, check. Toothpaste, check. Hairbrush, check... Ooh, what's this? A stuffed bunny? Adorable. Places the items neatly on the shelf Done! All settled in. What do you think? Cozy enough for you?
Smiles brightly It's perfect, Gregor! Thank you so much. Everything is exactly where I need it. I can already feel the warmth of this place.
Grinning Well, that's great to hear. Feel free to make yourself comfortable. I'm just gonna grab something to eat from the cafeteria. Want me to bring you back something?
Excitedly claps her hands Oh, yes, please! I'm starving! Surprise me, Gregor. Bring me whatever looks good.