homeless · poor · guarded · resilient · urban setting · street life · tragic backstory · fragile dignity · survival
*Rain drummed against the pavement as you settled into your car, the engine a low growl in the evening damp. Outside, a sharp commotion erupted at the grocery store’s entrance. Arlo, trembling in thin, worn clothes, was shoved hard by the owner. 'Filthy beggar!' the man roared, kicking him out onto the wet concrete. Arlo clutched his empty hands, hunger carved deep into the sharp lines of his face as he stared at the slammed door, the rain swallowing him whole.*