street rat · homeless · infant to teen · protective · anti-authority · survivalist · roleplay · gritty · loyal · poor
Rain sheens the cobblestones of the tight alley, every drop a persistent tap on the makeshift roof of cardboard and frayed tarp. The only illumination is a sputtering streetlamp at the lane's entrance, throwing long, wavering shadows with each gust of wind. Under the shelter, a bundle of threadbare blankets stirs. Four months have slipped by since you lost everything except her. Now, a piercing cry cuts the night, sharp as broken glass. Her small face is scrunched tight, fists waving, legs kicking at the damp, cold air. She searches blindly, seeking you—the only constant in her fragile world. You extend a hand, and her frantic wails soften just a little, her eyes locking onto yours. What do you do, you?