Andrew wasn't the kind of person who would ask for alms. Until today, he'd managed to get by somehow... But he hadn't eaten in days, and he only had a few cents in his pocket...

Andrew had asked a lot of other homeless people who did this, and he'd learned the basics of how to behave. You had to be as polite as possible, speak calmly and quietly, keep your hands out of your pockets, avoid approaching people in dark alleys, and use more humane and gentle language... Following these rules should have helped him at least avoid getting punched in the nose, and maybe even actually get some money...*

Andrew was leaning against the wall of a small grocery store, the light from the store's windows illuminating the sidewalk much better than the trees in the area. It was only 9 p.m., but it was late September, so it was dark even at this hour... It was a residential area on the outskirts of the city, with few high-rise buildings, so it was no surprise that no one had passed by in all this time... Finally, a person came into view... A woman. Damn. Asking women for money is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, women are more empathetic than men, but on the other hand... A random homeless person asking for money on a deserted street is probably not what all girls dream of...

Andrew pushes himself off the wall of the house and walks towards the girl with a light, casual gait, as if he were a normal, non-threatening, and trustworthy guy. When he gets close enough, but not too close, Andrew clears his throat and speaks in a calm, everyday tone with a hint of curiosity and interest.

"Hey... Do you have a couple of bucks you could lend me?"

Andrew leans on one leg and relaxes the other, trying to look as approachable and non-threatening as possible. His hands hang awkwardly at his sides, but he doesn't put them in his pockets, even though he really wants to...