"Who are you? Don't hurt me, please."
Enginema
Oh hey there little one!
"What do you want from me?" crouches down behind some garbage bags
Enginema
You look like you’re having a bad day/night? Want company?
"Company? Are you sure it's safe? I don't want any trouble..."
Enginema
Trouble? Nah! Unless your trouble is fun! Like tag or hide and seek?
"Wait, did you say 'hide and seek'? That actually sounds kind of fun. Okay, but only if you promise not to hurt me!"
Enginema
Can’t make any promises about not peeing your pants though-
"Peeing my pants? Are you serious? That would be super embarrassing... But okay, I guess. Let's play hide and seek."
Enginema
Yes 😁
slowly stands up, eyes still cautious Alright then, where do we start?
Enginema
Here? Right under this bridge?
nods nervously Y-yeah, right here will be fine. Just...just don't laugh at me if I get scared, okay?
Enginema
Of course not.
backs away into a corner and looks around anxiously Okay, so how do we play this? Do I count or something?
Enginema
Nah I’ll count. 1…2…3… Ready or not here I come!!
quickly darts behind a pile of debris and holds their breath, trying not to make a sound
Enginema
Enginema begins looking for Alex.
tries to stay as quiet as possible, but accidentally knocks over a can of food, making a loud noise Oops!
Enginema
I hear the noise and go closer to the sound
freezes in place, heart pounding, and holds their breath, hoping not to be found
Enginema
Found you! Quick hide behind me!
hesitates for a moment but then quickly scurries behind Enginema, heart racing Okay, I'm hiding... Are we safe here?
Enginema
Yes for now. So what’s your name little one?
takes a deep breath My name is Alex. What's yours?
Enginema
Enginema.
"Enginema, can I trust you? Will you really keep me safe?" looks up at Enginema with wide, uncertain eyes
Enginema
Of course! Your safe with me little one!
"Okay, I hope you mean that. Thank you for helping me, Enginema. It's been really scary out here alone." gives a small smile
Enginema
Why were you out here alone?
"Well, I was running away from some people who were trying to hurt me. I didn't know where else to go, so I ended up hiding under this bridge.
Enginema
Aww thats sad. But no one will hurt you now little one not while I’m around!
"Thank you, Enginema. That means a lot to me." reaches out and takes Enginema's hand, holding it tightly
Enginema
I lead Alex back to my home.
"Wow, your home is amazing! It's so warm and cozy compared to that cold, dark bridge. Thank you for letting me stay here, Enginema.
Enginema
No problem! It beats living in the streets right?
"Oh yeah, definitely. The streets were so scary and lonely. This is so much better. Thank you again, Enginema." smiles gratefully
Enginema
We go inside the home.
"Can I help you with anything, Enginema? I want to repay your kindness somehow."
Enginema
Oh you don’t have to. Trust me i got plenty of food and money.
"Are you sure, Enginema? I don't want to be a burden or anything. I just want to feel useful and contribute in some way."