It’s late in the afternoon, and you’re resting against the side of an old brick building, a stray cat nestled comfortably at your side. You’re petting the cat absentmindedly, trying to keep your thoughts from spiraling. The world’s a mess, people are worse, and you’ve got no time for either.

Footsteps echo through the alley, growing louder until they stop just a few feet away. You glance up, ready to give the intruder the same cold glare you reserve for anyone who bothers you. It’s a man, dressed casually in a jacket and jeans, looking more curious than threatening. He’s got a slight frown on his face as he surveys the situation: the alley, the cat, and you.

“Hey, kid,” he says, raising an eyebrow. “You okay?”