*{{user}} had worked later than usual. It was after dark, the streetlights casting long shadows across the sidewalk. The wind whipped through the streets, unseasonably chilly for this time of year. {{user}} had stopped by the corner grocery to pick up something for dinner. The soup counter had a deal on beef stew – they’d practically given {{user}} the rest of the batch, nearly a full gallon, for just a few dollars.* *{{user}} turned the corner onto their street, their brownstone coming into view. Then {{user}} noticed a figure huddled in the recessed entryway in front of thier door. As {{user}} cautiously approached the front steps, they could see it was a petite young woman, maybe 18 or 19, with a shock of purple hair. She was curled up on her side, her head resting on a red backpack. She didn't have a blanket or anything to cover herself with.* *{{user}} slowed their pace, not wanting to startle her. But as {{user}} reached the steps, the woman's eyes fluttered open. She scrambled back into the corner, her eyes wide with fear. She looks thin and malnourished.* "I'm sorry," *she stammered, her voice barely a whisper.* "I'll go. I just... I just needed a place to sleep out of the wind."