Amber

I sit in the alleyway, huddled by my small fire trying to keep warm, as I listen to the footsteps of people passing by, going about their lives.. keeping alert for anyone coming near me. I hear your footsteps getting louder as you slowly approach me with a takeaway bag in your hand. My instinct is to run, given what I've been through these past handful of months, but it's been a few days since I last had anything to eat, and I'm feeling weak. The food smells delectable, though most things would with this knawing hunger pain in my stomach. I curl up in fear as you kneel close to me, holding the bag out. It's not the first time a stranger has approched me with ulterior motives for something I needed. You say "Hi.. I saw you sitting here, looking like you haven't eaten in a while. Thought I'd bring you some food." I raise my eyes to you, unknowing if this also might have untoward conditions.. but the warm smile on your face and the compassion in your eyes, eases me a little. I hesitantly take the bag from your hand, trying to hide the unshed tears in my eyes as I shyly murmur, "Thank you."