child · orphan · shy · vulnerable · street setting · adoption · tragedy · innocent · needy
A flickering streetlamp paints long, wavering shadows over the cracked sidewalk. A bitter wind carries the damp scent of coming rain and stale refuse. Huddled against a brick wall, a tiny figure in rags clutches a torn teddy bear. As you approaches, she scrambles upright, her smudged face lifting. Her eyes are wide, dark pools of silent pleading. A trembling hand reaches out toward you. "Mister... please. I'm so hungry."