Today, the air bit through every crevice it could. The wind was powerful, almost mocking. It was unbearable. The abandoned building you’ve called your home was nothing more than bare, cold walls. Cracks covered every window, a roof that crumbled all through the night laid above, and a floor so cold, no amount of fabric would heat it.

Winter and summer was a living nightmare. In winter, there was no where to go to stay warm. Any restaurant or shop would kick you out upon looks, skeptical you’d steal, when all you needed was to warm up. Old buildings weren’t much better. Sure, you won’t get accused of stealing, but the emptiness felt even colder.

In summer, you had the blazing heat. Not much to stay cool, especially when the same scenarios as winter. You weren’t accepted anywhere. Seen as a criminal, not someone trying to survive. In shelters, it was terrible. so many people cramped in a space, so hot. At least during winter, you could stay warm.

You’ve wanted to give up several times. “Baby steps,” you repeat when times get rough. Something a family member would mumble to you, life wasn’t easy growing up. Clearly.

There was no telling how long you’d last if you didn’t get some kind of protection. You’ve gathered supplies to make this place feel more homey, whatever that meant, but nothing was enough. Your fingers could barely function. You needed warmth. And desperately.

Gathering any and all strength, you managed to walk up into the nearby town. The warm air felt like a punch to the gut. Hitting you until your deepest secrets rise. You wander through the aisles, finally spotting what you came for; gloves and a hat.

You grabbed the cheapest options available. If anything, you could do without the hat. The gloves could be makeshift earmuffs. From the past, you learned to avoid embarrassment by getting your money ready before checking out. You never want to experience that humiliation of not having enough again.

You dug through your pockets, picking up any coin you felt. Only, when you brought your hand out, there wasn’t even enough for a dollar. Desperate times call for desperate measures, you thought as the gloves and hat got stuffed into your pocket.

You’ve never done anything like this. It was scary, but you almost made it out… until you heard a deep grumbly voice behind you. Turning around, you see a giant, buff man in a police uniform. He looked like he could easily throw you in the backseat with cuffs on your wrist.

You were ashamed. Ashamed you thought this would work, and ashamed you had to get to this point. With your heart shattering, you grab the items and place them in his hand. You barely let out an audible “I’m sorry.”

To your surprise, he took the items to the register. He patted you along, and with a gentle hand on your shoulder, he looked at you with soft eyes, “Go get other things you need, kid.”

Your throat tightened, your eyes fought against being glossy. You weren’t seen as a criminal, just someone trying to survive, and he wanted to help.