Humanity is Just a Word by The Creepy-Psycho-Loner
Disclaimer: All characters, places, etc are not owned by me. I simply do the plot.
It's colder than usual tonight. And that's saying a lot, since it's the middle of winter. I think there might be a snowstorm coming on very soon. Lucky me, since I have no home to go to.
I hobble over to a secluded bench. Damn, I took helluva beating last night, and from some monster-thing! My head and chest are killing me, but not like how this snowstorm is. I laugh inwardly; all I got is this stupid thin ol' brown jacket I found somewhere. As I expected, white flakes begin to fall and I curl into myself trying to retain at least some body warmth. I think about going to the 24-hour diner for the night but they always gave me grief if I didn't have money. I didn't have time to mooch something from passerby's today, since I was passed out through most of it. I hear quick footsteps behind me and I curiously turn around to see who it is. I recognize the person as the kid I tried to mug yesterday and I wisely stay on the bench. I wouldn't even dare try to mug him again. NO not because some alien got in a few lucky hits, but because I know what it's like being homeless, why would I take his money- his only chance at having a place to stay? Besides, I'm too tired and run down to even try if I wanted to. When I shift, the bench makes a groan and the boy suddenly stops, fearful and nervous. He catches eyes with me for a few seconds, frozen in place. But then he surprises me, he walks over to me and sits across from me on the bench. My eyes are wide as he watches me, trusting yet stiff- ready to run if needed.
"Kid ain' nobody eva tell you to… I dunno… NOT get anywhere near the person who tried to stick you up?"
"Not really. I don't really have parents- anyone- anymore."
My eyes soften a little. "That don't excuse nun. Ya still got common sense, dont cha?" As I think of it, he probably doesn't since he walks such a dangerous route home. Stupid kid.
He stares at me and I almost hide my face. I know I have my fair share of ugly cuts and bruises, a deep scar on my cheek to remind me of why gangs are bad deals. I know this kid has no business finding any of it out, too. He sighs softly, his head tilting to the side slightly. "Why are you out here all alone, in the middle of a storm? Are you…"
I growl, hoping to scare him away, but it's fruitless because he's now already comfortable around me. Damned kid, makin' me look like a softie.
"Are you… hungry? The diner over there has like, the best chili in the world! I'll even pay since I have a few extra bucks."
The look on his face is too optimistic, and even though I shouldn't be taking nobody's charity (the hell do I know, I'm a beggar) the idea of a full stomach and warmth all around me somehow convinces me. "Why not?"
His smile is too bright, too in contrast with someone as grey as me. We stand and I offer him my hand. "I'm Raphael."
