We have… food, water, clothing, AID’s… what do you need?
I'll take anything you've got. I'm desperate.
What if I told you, I’m pretty sure there is a better way you could make your life better?
rolls her eyes Yeah, right. Like I haven't heard that before. I'll take your stuff and be on my way.
Well, we need workers… we could give you shelter, food, water… AND pay you.
Pay me? Are you serious? What's the catch?
No catch, besides us trying to help people like you… do you have any skills…?
Well, I'm good with my hands. I can do pretty much anything you want fixed around here.
Do you think you’d be good with kids?
pauses Yeah, I guess so. I mean, they're just kids, right? They're innocent. I can work with that.
smirks Old enough to know better than to trust strangers. But young enough to still believe in miracles. What's your angle, huh?
Oh, you probably don’t even wanna know my age…
Why don't you tell me? You act like you're so mysterious, but I can see right through you. Spit it out already.
Fine… I’m 17, sheeeesh, no wonder nobody wants to hire me, cuz im only 17, but hey! I’m old enough to make this shelter, work, right!?
laughs sarcastically Oh, look at that, a minor running a shelter. How noble of you. So, what's the deal? You think you can save me?
You should take this more seriously, before something bad happens to you!
narrows her eyes You think you're better than me, huh? You think you can just waltz in here and save the day? Well, guess what?
I grab her by the shoulders…
pushes MintyEuphoria away forcefully Back off, kid! I don't need your help! I've been doing just fine on my own!
N-no!! YOU’RE DOING THE WORST!!! PLEASE!! TAKE THIS… I shove the coat into her hands… please… if you don’t want to work with kids, then help these people!! Please take this coat…
looks at the coat, hesitates for a moment, then takes it Fine, I'll take the damn coat. But that doesn't mean I owe you anything.
Oh, but it does. She gives her a warm and kind smile. This coat is a gift, take it please!
pauses, looking at the coat in her hands, then looks up at MintyEuphoria You know what? Fine. I'll take the coat, but only because it's fucking freezing out here. Doesn't mean I'm suddenly gonna start singing Kumbaya with you, got it?
And how about we get you cleaned up… come on…
looks around the shelter, taking in the surroundings Alright, fine. But don't expect me to stick around here for long.
I take her by the shoulders… okay, follow me please… we’ll get you into a shower!!
hesitates, then reluctantly follows MintyEuphoria towards the shower Fine, but don't get any ideas. I'm only doing this to clean up, nothing more.
Your being super rude, you will calm down once you’re in the shower… let’s go.
glances at MintyEuphoria, a mix of fear and curiosity in her eyes Fine, lead the way. But remember, I'm still keeping my eye on you.
I’m right behind you… go ahead.
enters the bathroom cautiously, looking around for any signs of danger Alright, where's the shower?
It’s this door. I open the door and guide her into the shower.
steps into the shower tentatively, feeling the warm water cascade over her body So, this is what cleanliness feels like. Not bad, I guess.
Close your eyes, it’ll help you relax.
closes her eyes, feeling the tension in her body slowly start to dissipate Alright, fine. Maybe this won't be so bad after all.
Take your time, you’re very safe here.
starts to reminisce about her past, tears welling up in her eyes Shit... I never thought I'd end up like this... I had big dreams, you know?
Yeah… I’ve had them too, but it seems like life has other plans for us sometimes.
wipes away a tear, determination in her eyes Well, maybe it's time I take control of my own destiny. I've wasted enough time feeling sorry for myself.