Chapter 2

It was August 15, 2013, the one thousand, one hundred and thirty sixth day since the accident. Not much was expected that day, except for a visit from my friend Echo, the one friend I did have then. Every couple of months, she would come by with a twenty. She was the only good soul out walking on the streets.

"Don't blow it like you did last time," she said with a wink, and handed me the bill. I stood up and squeezed her tight. A tiny tear snuck out as I whispered my thanks in her ear. She was the only one who understood me, knew how to love and care for others.

After she left, I decided (foolish as it was) to pick pocket someone. My sneak is pretty good, and apparently I needed more money, even after a whole twenty dollars was just given to me. But, that was probably one of the best decisions I have made. I shoved the twenty into my ragged hoodie pocket, the one with the least amount of holes, and began my search.

Many people look rich. Men in nice coats and women in fancy dresses. So many to choose from. But one man caught my eye. He was rather pale, and had a fancy looking sweater on. He carried a small greyish wallet box on his side, and was looking around as if he'd never seen the city of New York. He seemed to be the perfect target. He would never see it coming. I snuck until I was right behind him, and when I reached for the wallet, he turned around. Now you see, I'm always prepared. I had brought my cup with me.

"Excuse me sir," I began, looking at him with my pleading eyes. "I-I am very poor, I hate to ask but, can you please spare some change for me?" The man looked down at me. His eyes were bright yellow, and his focus seemed to be elsewhere.

"I am sorry, but I do not have any money on me."

"It's okay," I said before walking away. This man really was strange. He's walking through New York without any money? He must have been lying! I watched as the man grabbed the greyish box on his side. He opened it, but there really wasn't money in there, it had all these strange buttons and symbols on it. He pushed some of the buttons, and his face suddenly turned to pure terror.

"I have to get back," he exclaimed. He began to run, faster than I've ever seen! It almost looked as if his feet never touched the ground! But a wave of citizens were keeping him back. I tried to keep up with him. But then all of a sudden he stopped. His expression was hopeless. He dropped to the ground, and looked as if he were to cry. People shouted at him as they walked by.

He just flinched as they threw insults at him. A sudden sadness grew inside of me. Something told me to help him, but I just don't know what. So I made my way to him. He just looked at me, expecting me to yell at him. He knows what it's like, I thought. He knows how the people can be so cruel. I looked at him with all the sympathy I could muster, and I grabbed his hand and pulled him up. He looked puzzled.

"I am very sorry but I really do not have any . . ." I squeezed his hand tighter. He cocked his head like a confused puppy. I guided him to my little alley and I sat.

"I am confused to why you brought me here."

"Don't be so formal," I said, trying to joke a bit. "Take a seat! I just wanna get to know you, 'cause you actually seem like a nice person." He actually sat next to me, which was a bit unexpected.

"You aren't from around here are you?" I started out. The man let out a sarcastic-like laugh.

"Nowhere near it." We sat for a while in silence. It was too awkward. I tried breaking the ice again.

"Why so gloom?" I get to the point of things too quickly.

"I-I lost, all of my friends. My family." He looked at me with tears welling up in his eyes. "I'll never see them again." My sympathy grew larger and larger for him.

"You know," I began. "I lost my parents when I was twelve. A tragic house fire. Ever since then, I have been living here in this . . . thing." I waved my arms to show the alley. He looked at me with care in his eyes.

"I am sorry," he replied. He then continued to stare out into the street. I knew he was deeply troubled by his loss. I put an arm around his neck.

"It'll all be okay. I promise."