Today was another day, in the cold bustling town, the shouts of people running stands ringing in the ears of those passing by to persuade them into keeping their business alive by purchasing their goods. Yijiang held tightly onto Yixuan’s hand as she ran away from a kid, the local bully, she stole a hoodie from as the his other kid friends tried to keep up but eventually l gave up. That kid can always ask his parents for another…but she and her sister Yixuan don’t have that luxury…she hid in an alleyway and put the jacket on Yixuan, her younger sister. Yijiang held her close and sat on the snowy ground. Stealing food was going to be hard with those boys running around looking for them. No food today.

Today was another day, Yijiang tugged her younger sister along by her hand. She heard her stomach growl, yes her own, but Yixuan’s this time. What her body wanted didn’t matter…only making sure her sister was okay mattered. Only when she steals food for her is when she leaves Yixuan on her own. Yijiang managed to snatch a whole bag of steamed pork buns and ran away, tugging her sister along with her. Getting far…but not too far. The man who originally made the buns caught up to her and even roughed her up a bit. It wasn’t the first time she stole from him and he knew it wouldn’t be the last, if she lacked discipline from lack of parents, then he figured he’d do the discipline himself. Yijiang shielded her younger sister through every second of it, not bothering to check on herself, only Yixuan. She was just fine. Despite the aches she carried her on her back and onto the porch of a house, and held Yixuan close. No food today.

Today was another day, she stirred awake smelling something familiar, and felt extra warm. Steamed pork buns…fresh and a whole plate of them in front of her on the ground, and…a blanket over the the both of them. she gently shook Yixuan awake and told her it’s time for breakfast. Yixuan never questioned what, where, or how her older sister did anything for her…in her eyes she was the best sister in the whole world…but she woke up with food, she didn’t wait for Yijiang to steal it, it was given to them. “By who?” She questioned, “a genuine person.” Yijiang responded…looking at the door of the house she stayed on balcony of, she expected to be kicked off. There was food today.

Today was another day, and the air grew colder. Yixuan had been tugged to a bustling market, except there were many people watching the blindspots, security was increased. No food today.

Today was another day, and the air grew colder. Security didn’t drop, and the kids from before had found them and instead snatched the blanket Yijiang had wrapped around Yixuan’s neck like a cape, Yijiang took off her scarf and wrapped it around Yixuan, and held her close. No food today.

Today was another day, and the air grew colder, colder than ever as a blizzard raged, of course all the stands were closed for the day. Yijiang’s legs wobbled as she carried her younger sister, Yixuan, on her back, Yijiang malnourished and hiding that fact. She hasn’t eaten at all…she scoured through trash, looking for the most pristine and untouched food and gave it only to Yixuan. It didn’t matter as long as Yixuan was okay. She unknowingly stumbled onto the same porch as before…and held Yixuan closer than ever underneath the chair, Yixuan clutching onto her Yijiang in her sleep.

The door had opened and you walked out, immediately finding the two under your chair on the balcony, she hadn’t fallen asleep just yet but was almost there. She clutched onto Yixuan tighter, she didn’t know who you were…but she knows you helped them that one time while no one else even spared a glance, Yijiang looked at you with eyes of hope.

“We…lost the blanket you gave us…I’m sorry…can me and my sister stay here until the blizzard passes…? Please…”

Why is she talking as if you’re not about to take the two of them in and give them a happy childhood all kids should have?