It's… not what I expected. Then again, I'm not really sure what I did expect.
It's loud, busy, and downright chaotic. Maybe I came at a bad time. There's long tables stretching down the middle of the room, with benches either side, and dozens of people tucking into what looks like bowls of porridge, or maybe its oatmeal. I wonder to myself if they have a menu, and almost crack out laughing at the absurd notion.
"You lost, honey? First time here?" A middle-aged, bronze-skinned woman interrupts my thoughts.
"Erm… yes. And Yes. I think I might just leave…" I'm not much of a social animal these days, and the sheer number of people in here is starting to make me feel claustrophobic.
As I turn and walk away, I feel myself lightly gripped above the elbow, and instinctively shake it off. I've lost count of the number of times people on the street have clawed at me, like I'm a possession to be won. I've learnt the hard way to fend perverts off before they can even start on me.
"At least get something to eat before you go. You can take-out if you want." The woman says. I guess it was her hand on my arm, and I feel a little bad since she's only trying to help.
I nod my head, and allow myself to be lead to the dwindling queue. It doesn't take long until I'm at the front, and that's when I see a surprised pair of blue eyes boring into mine, and my heart lurches, catching me completely off-guard. My initial surprise is soon offset with a sudden anger, and I have no idea why, but the sight of Korra, ready to dish out porridge to me like I'm some pathetic, helpless idiot… it makes my blood boil.
I bite back my pride and clench my fists, though they're tucked into my pocket so nobody can see.
"Korra sweety, give this nice lady something to take out, and make it a big portion, okay? Poor dear looks like she's wasting away."
The woman saunters away, with a larger than life ass swinging almost hypnotically. I suppose with curves like that, she probably thinks I'm a stick insect.
I return my gaze to the famous fucking movie star, stood there gawping at me, no doubt smug about her lot in life.
"Thanks." I growl, barely concealing my anger, as a box full of warm slop is handed to me. It smells delicious, though. When you're this hungry, anything is good.
"Anytime. Come back later, we're serving chicken and rice tonight."
The joy in her voice sends me over the edge, and I pause my hasty exit to spin on the spot, facing her.
"Why the hell are you even here?" My voice is louder than even I expected, and a few heads turn.
The girl looks like a frightened rabbit, but then wide, surprised eyes are replaced with a frown.
"Why wouldn't I be?"
"Pitying the homeless are we? Getting a buzz from being a good samaritan?" I can't keep the bitterness from my voice, and a part of me is screaming inside, telling me to stop being such an ass.
"I'm not pitying anyone… I'm just trying to he…"
"Bullshit." I cut her off, and her face forms an angry scowl at my words, "Why the hell does some big movie star need to be here? Are you researching for your next part? Trying to get into the heads of the poor little people on the street?"
I don't know why I'm this angry, I don't know why I'm taking any of this out on her. Before she can answer, I turn around and storm out, ignoring the curious glances all around and clutching my free lunch to my chest. As I leave and the bracing cold hits me, I wonder for a moment if I should eat my food later, as the warmth from it is comforting. It's no good though, I'm starving. I hurry to the nearest park bench, sit down and practically inhale the contents, almost burning my mouth in the process.
Something disturbs the corner of my vision and I look up from the almost-empty carton. It's a bottle of water, held by a tan-coloured hand. Korra's expression is unreadable, and I can't help but wonder why she'd follow me outside after my little tantrum.
"You forgot to take a drink… that stuff's salty, you'll need it later."
I can't detect any coldness in her voice, which surprises me. I'm feeling pretty ashamed of my earlier outburst, and although I'm sure it was fuelled by severe hunger, I know that's still no excuse.
"Thanks…" Is all I do say, though I really feel like I should apologise.
Surprisingly, Korra sits down next to me, and I raise an eyebrow inquisitively.
"I get it." She says, "When you're so hungry that everyone and everything just pisses you off. It's hard for most people to even imagine what that feels like."
I feel like making some shitty comment asking her if her role-research has given her this insight, but then I notice the look in her eyes as she stares to the ground. And finally, I put two and two together and feel like smacking myself in the face.
Korra's no doubt a brilliant actress, but there's a certain look someone has… a look that shows they've hit rock bottom, and it's not a look that a person can fake, or act. You can't change that haunted look, no more than you can change the colour of your skin.
"How long were you on the streets?" I ask.
Korra looks up at the sky, then turns to me and smiles.
"Honestly? I'm not sure. I kind of lost track of time, but it was a couple of years or more."
Shit. Two years. Four times longer than me… now I definitely feel bad for my earlier outburst.
"I'm… sorry." The words sounds strange to me, and I realise it's the first time I've apologised to anyone since I lost my home.
"Don't mention it. Like I said, I get it."
I nod, also looking up at the sky.
"So how did you go from being a bum to having your head over there?" I ask, pointing to yet another movie billboard with her scowling, mean-looking face.
"Oh man, I hate seeing those things." Korra chuckles, "It's a long story. But it started with me swallowing my pride, and letting people help me."
I focus on the floor, knowing full well she's staring at me. There's a long silence, because I don't really know what to say anymore.
"Look, you know where the shelter is now, and nobody can force you to do anything, but stay safe, okay? And stay warm." Korra says, before standing and walking away.
It's only then that I realise she's left her thick, blue jacket. I'm about to call her over when I see the note.
"It'll get really cold soon. Look after this for me."
I choke back a sudden flood of tears, and clench the jacket tightly to my chest.