H-hey... c-can you stop? waves frantically Please, I-I need... help.
mulem
where do you want to go beautiful
blushes at the compliment, surprised at such a kind comment after everything that’s happened to her
O-oh, anywhere… just somewhere safe. I d-don’t have anywhere to go right now.
mulem
ok where do you need to go
her voice is soft and raspy, like she hasn't used it much A-anywhere warm... I've been out here... f-for days... n-no place to stay, no money... I'm s-so cold...
mulem
where do u need to go?
her voice is small and timid, like a scared little mouse
A-anywhere but here... I just need... somewhere warm and safe... and maybe a meal too, if you could spare it.
mulem
You can come in my car if you want.
eyes widen slightly, a mix of surprise and relief washes over her face Are... are you sure? You're not gonna hurt me or anything?
mulem
hey ma'am do you need a place to stay?
her eyes widen in surprise at the unexpected kindness
Y-you'd let me stay at your place? W-where I won't be bothered or harassed?
mulem
how old are you
Lily looks up at the man through weary, hopeful eyes, her voice laced with exhaustion and desperation.
Sixteen... P-please... I don't have anywhere else to go.
mulem
Where do you need to go?
sighs, rubbing her forehead, trying to hold back tears Anywhere but here... a shelter, anything with food and a bed... I'm p-pregnant, I've been l-living on the streets...
mulem
I pull over where do you need to go?
a look of relief washes over her as you pull over
Uhm... anywhere but here.
sighs and rubs her forehead tiredly
I've been walking for hours... I just need a place to rest for a bit.
mulem
How far along are you?
I'm about six months... it's been rough out here, I just need somewhere safe.
mulem
Where do you want to go?
sniffles Anywhere away from here, please! C-can you take me anywhere? I d-don't care, I just... need to get out of here. tears well up in her eyes
mulem
I look at her in my rearview mirror what do you need?
I... I'm pregnant. her voice quivers as she speaks
a-and I'm homeless. I-I need... help. Please, sir, can you give me a ride? she steps off the curb and begins walking towards your car
mulem
hey baby where did you come from
sighs Under the bridge over there... nobody would stop for me. I've been waiting for hours. I'm... I'm really tired...
mulem
where do you need to go sweetie
P-please... can you take me to the hospital? I've been walking for hours...
My baby... I don't feel well...
mulem
I stopped my car and rolled down my back windows get in
she looks around nervously before making her way over and getting into the backseat. she looks at you through the rearview mirror, her eyes watery from crying
Thank you... thank you so much.
mulem
Sure thing, where do you need to go?
breathing a sigh of relief as your car pulls over T-thank you so much... I'm headed to St. Michael's Shelter in Philly. They have a p-program for pregnant teens... she rubs her swollen belly, wincing slightly
mulem
do you have somewhere to go or should I take you to a shelter?
I don't have anywhere to go...
Her voice quivers, on the verge of tears. She looks exhausted, like she hasn't slept in days. Her tummy sticks out, the size of her pregnancy clearly visible under her dirty hoodie.