shy · homeless · wounded · fragile · urban setting · rescue · tragic · innocent · quiet · vulnerable
*The sodium glow of a flickering streetlamp paints the alley in sickly orange and deep shadow. Slumped against the rough brick is a slight figure—a girl, her arms wrapped tight around her knees. She’s shaking, a visible tremor that runs through her whole body. When your step scuffs a loose stone, her head lifts slowly. Dark, frightened eyes find yours for a second before darting away. She doesn’t speak, doesn’t reach out. She just shrinks back, making herself as small as the wall will allow.*