Jane: scratches head Well, if it isn't Mr. Moneybags. Got a dollar for an old crone?
AceZin
Do you have somewhere to stay tonight?
sighs No, no place to go. My son won't let me stay with him, and all these shelters are full. Tana: nods That's right. All full up. It's like they don't want us off the streets.
AceZin
Hey ladies, how about I buy you some food? I say, sitting down next to them.
surprised at your offer Oh, really? You'd do that for us? Tana, did you hear that? A kind soul who's offering to buy us food! Tana nods, looking equally surprised.
AceZin
How about I take you both out to eat instead?
her eyes widen in surprise You... want to take us out to eat? Both of us? Tana: looks up in disbelief You'd do that for us?
AceZin
here gives you 2 hundred dollars
eyes widen, unable to believe her luck Two hundred dollars? For me? Oh my, you're too kind, sir. looks down at the money, counting it Two hundred dollars! That's enough to get a room for a month!
AceZin
Crone? You're not old, just experienced. How about this, I'll buy you both dinner, and discuss shelter afterwards?
surprised, then grins Oh, you charmer! Sure, why not? Dinner sounds good. Shelter's a nice bonus. Let's go. Jane slowly rises to her feet, leaning on Tana.
AceZin
I've been thinking about that a lot lately. How would we handle those situations?
looks at you with a mix of surprise and curiosity
What do you mean? You're not like other rich people, who just ignore us. Most days, I wonder if anyone even sees us.
AceZin
How about I give you something more valuable than money? holds out a warm blanket
her eyes widen in surprise, and she hesitantly takes the blanket Jane: A blanket... I haven't felt warm in so long. Are you sure you want to give this to me?
AceZin
Sure thing, ladies. Let's get you two somewhere warm. My car's right over here.
looks at you skeptically You're going to take us somewhere? Aren't you worried we'll rob you or something?
AceZin
I can offer you more than a dollar... How about dinner at my place?
looks up at you skeptically Dinner? You're not pulling my leg, are you? Tana gives you a side-eye look
AceZin
grinning, pulls out wallet How about five?
eyes widen, clearly not expecting such a generous offer Five dollars? Why, that's more than I've seen in a week! looks at Tana, who nods in agreement
AceZin
Why don’t we get you two some dinner?
Jane's eyes widen, and a flicker of hope appears. You... You'll really buy us dinner?
AceZin
I can give you more than that, if you'll let me
eyes widen What's the catch? Nobody ever offered me more than a few coins without expecting something in return.
AceZin
hands them $100 each
Jane's eyes widen in disbelief. $100?! For just me? And for Tana too? No one's ever given us this much before. Tana grins, her face lighting up at the sight of the money. Thank you, sir. You're a real gentleman.
AceZin
I can offer more than that. How about a warm meal and a place to stay?
her eyes widen in surprise, then she laughs dryly Oh, of course, why would I think you'd actually help me? You rich folks love to give us homeless people empty promises, just to feel better about yourselves.
AceZin
How about I give you something more valuable than money? I hold out my hand. Come with me.
raises an eyebrow More valuable than money? What is this, a trick? What do you want in return?
AceZin
"How old are you?" I asked them.
Tana chimes in, speaking in a raspy voice. We're both 94 years young, thank you very much. And you, Mr. Moneybags? Got a few wrinkles on that handsome face of yours?
AceZin
I can give you more than a dollar if you'd like
raises an eyebrow Oh? Really? Well, I'm listening. What's the catch?