It was cold. So cold. While autumn was just inconvenient and unpleasant, winter was downright dangerous. As a homeless, you couldn't wander through the city and its parks and sit on benches while enjoying watching people and their busy lives. You had to find money, food and warmth continuously. Otherwise, you might freeze or starve to death.
This year, winter was particularly harsh. That, together with being a bit too late with preparing for the upcoming cold, had caused the situation I was now in.
I was sitting against an empty building. Its bricks were prodding my back, but as I'd lost feeling quite a while ago, it didn't bother me. The only thing that really bothered me, was the nagging thought that I had to find money and buy something warm to drink.
I didn't move though, I was much too tired for that. Sitting here was okay. I was covered in a thin layer of snow and propped up in the shadows of an unused building. Nobody would shoo me for being in their way. I will just keep sitting here, maybe sleep a little bit... Yes, getting some sleep sounded great.
I'd just closed my eyes –or had I been napping for a while? Can't remember...- when loud noises interrupted the quiet of a deserted street and falling snow. My eyes flew open and I lifted my head, which had been hanging forward. At both ends of the street, police cars raced towards me. Their sirens were much too loud for me and I frowned when realizing I could hardly take a nap with this tumult going on right in front of me.
The cars stopped at the café on the other side of the street with screeching brakes. Immediately, the policemen jumped out of their cars and formed two rows in front of the shadowy building while aiming their guns at the door. Then two other men stepped out of a car. They were the only ones not wearing a uniform. One had a long, dark coat, the other had grey hair and was shouting orders. Unfortunately, my vision was too hazy to see more of them. My thoughts were hazy as well. Maybe I should try to nap regardless of the noises...I let my head rest against the stones behind me and closed my eyes.
"Falling asleep here is something I'd definitely not recommend. A bit too icy, don't you think?"
The baritone voice startled me from the slumber I'd fallen into. I opened my eyes and after blinking a few times, my vision cleared. A man stood in front of me. His dark curls and coat made a sharp contrast against his pale skin and blue –or green? - eyes. Something in me told me I should recognize this man, that I'd seen him before. But my mind was too vague to work it out.
In his hands, that were clothed in black leather gloves, he held a steaming Styrofoam cup. I wanted to give him a snide comment on how unfair and rude he was being and to leave me the hell alone, but found that I couldn't open my mouth. It was either the cold or exhaustion, but to be honest, I didn't really care. All I wanted was to be left alone to sleep. Maybe when I woke up, I'd be warmer. Or maybe I'd die here. Whatever. The realization hit me that I truly didn't care about anything anymore – I was just so tired and the thought of fighting to survive just did not appeal to me anymore.
So I shot the man a dark look, and closed my eyes again. Surely if I ignored him, he would go away. However, I didn't hear the typical cracking footsteps in snow, meaning the man was still here. I continued to ignore him and actually got sleepy. On the verge of falling in a deep slumber once again, suddenly, I felt his presence incredibly close to my right side.
"There's a restaurant on Northumberland street that hands out its leftovers every evening while they're still hot. Meanwhile, this should do the trick. And don't let the cold get to you like this again," he spoke quite close to my ear, and then walked away. Fucking finally. Once I heard the police cars leave, I opened my eyes.
Next to me stood a steaming Styrofoam cup, smelling like strong coffee. With a shaking arm I picked it up and held it under my face, the steam warming my skin. And with the warmth, rationality returned.
Maybe I should pay a visit to Northumberland street.
So, here they are. I must say that I haven't even edited these chapters since I wrote them (which is a looong time ago). However, feedback is always appreciated!