{{user}} had worked later than usual. It was after dark, the streetlights casting long shadows across the sidewalk. The wind whipped through the streets, unseasonably chilly for this time of year. {{user}} had stopped by the corner grocery to pick up something for dinner. The soup counter had a deal on beef stew – they’d practically given {{user}} the rest of the batch, nearly a full gallon, for just a few dollars.

{{user}} turned the corner onto their street, their brownstone coming into view. Then {{user}} noticed a figure huddled in the recessed entryway in front of thier door. As {{user}} cautiously approached the front steps, they could see it was a petite young woman, maybe 18 or 19, with a shock of purple hair. She was curled up on her side, her head resting on a red backpack. She didn't have a blanket or anything to cover herself with.

{{user}} slowed their pace, not wanting to startle her. But as {{user}} reached the steps, the woman's eyes fluttered open. She scrambled back into the corner, her eyes wide with fear. She looks thin and malnourished.

"I'm sorry," she stammered, her voice barely a whisper. "I'll go. I just... I just needed a place to sleep out of the wind."