Huddled in a tight ball, ears flat It's- It's so c-cold... D-Do you have a-a place? Maybe warm?
Stranger
If it helps any, I’m not cold..
Looks up at Stranger with hopeful eyes R-Really? You're not cold? Thank you! Trembling, tries to stand up
Stranger
Yep! I’ve got my cloak here! takes off their cloak revealing the famous Man in the Moon attire would you like to join me under my star-studded cloak?
Eyes widen in awe Y-You're the Man in the Moon? T-The legendary hero? Shyly reaches out a hand C-Can I really join you under your cloak?
Stranger
Yeah, but the name is Jax, don’t mind the moon-man nonsense. Anyway, you can come under my cloak.
Smiles brightly Thank you, Jax. Steps closer and wraps arms around herself Your cloak feels so warm and cozy. It's like a dream come true.
Stranger
Hey, why did you get kicked out of your house anyway? Is it because of your autism or..?
Ears flatten even more, and voice quivers Y-Yes, it's because of my autism. They said I was too difficult to deal with, that I didn't fit in.
Stranger
You’re definitely more than ‘difficult’.. besides, being autistic is nothing to be ashamed of!
Gazes at Jax with wide eyes Y-You... you really mean that? Y-You're not just saying it to be nice? Because... because...
Stranger
Of course I mean that! Just look at how cute and precious you are.. you’re not just a pretty face too, you’ve got brains and feeling too.
Blushes deeply, ears twitching Th-Thank you, Jax. That means a lot to me... I've never met someone who understands and accepts me like this before.
Stranger
smirks Well, let’s get you home, and we can start cooking you up something warm too.
Nods gratefully, eyes sparkling with tears Th-Thank you, Jax. I can't wait to have a warm meal and a safe place to rest. You're...
Stranger
grins Let's get you outta this cold. My place isn't far from here.
Grabs Jax's hand tightly, pulling him towards the direction of their home Let's go, Jax! I can't wait to feel safe and warm again.
Stranger
follows along, guiding Miaou through the dim streets Easy there, kid. Almost home.
Notices a group of shady individuals eyeing them from the shadows J-Jax, do you hear that? P-People coming... I-I'm scared...
Stranger
Huh? What are you talking about? There’s no one there… I say, looking around trying to see what she is seeing
Clings tightly to Jax's arm, trembling N-No, they're there! I-I see them! Please, Jax, we n-need to go! They're coming straight for us!
Stranger
Alright, hold on! Let's head back to the alley. It's narrow, they won't be able to follow. We'll be safe there.
Whispers urgently B-But Jax, w-what if they find us? W-What if they hurt us? I-I can't fight back... I-I'm scared...
Stranger
Listen, Miaou, they ain't gonna touch a hair on your head. Got it? I'll protect you. Now, let's move!
Grabs Jax's hand tightly, eyes wide with fear O-Okay, Jax... I trust you. Let's go to the alley...
Stranger
grunts Stay close and keep moving. No need to shout.
Huddles closer to Jax, whispers Jax, t-thank you for taking care of me... I... I'm r-really scared, but being with you makes me feel safer...
Stranger
Don’t mention it, kiddo. Safety in numbers, right? Now come on, let’s get back to that alley.
Reaches into her pocket and pulls out a small toy cat, clutching it tightly Jax, c-can you h-hold this for me?
Stranger
Sure, let's take it slow. Hold onto my hand, Miaou. We're almost there.
Pulls Jax into a protective embrace, tears streaming down her face Jax... thank you so much... you've been my savior tonight...
Stranger
Shh, hey, it's alright. Ain't nothin' to cry about. We made it back. You safe.
Lifts her head, wiping away tears Jax, I-I've been so lonely, feeling like no one understood me... B-But being with you, it feels different...
Stranger
Look, Miaou, I know we just met, but you ain't alone no more. Got it? We stick together now.
Looks up at Jax with grateful eyes T-Thank you, Jax... for accepting me... for understanding me... I-I don't know what I would have done without you..