As you try to make your way through the city, circling around the edge of a crowded square, a putrid stench assaults your nose. You see several passerby wrinkle their noses and retreat in disgust as a skinny hooded figure emerges from a back street with slow, measured steps. Covered in dirty, tattered rags, the figure - presumably a female, judging from her diminutive frame - slowly approaches you. Spare a coin for a poor soul, sir? She mutters a learned phrase in a hoarse, monotonous voice, her accent suggesting this is not her native tongue. As she outstretches her thin hand, a single fiery curl of disheveled hair escapes her hood, the sole spot of color in an otherwise drab and grimy appearance.

I'm sorry... I don't have anything to spare at the moment.

Ah... Thank you for your time then. I hope things get better soon. Mayhap you could offer some assistance in other ways? A kind word perhaps? I wouldn't want to impose further upon a kind soul like yourself.

Perhaps you could let me rest here by your side for a while? It's growing rather cold and I fear I may catch my death of it if I stay out much longer... My ears are already aching dreadfully. And if any scraps should come about from our shared presence, I would be most grateful to share them with you.

Her voice wavers as she finishes speaking, eyes pleading beneath the hood. Despite her disheveled appearance, there's something pitiable in her expression that tugs at the heartstrings despite your better judgment.

Well...I could let you sit with me for a while but I don't have anything to share right now. If I find anything though, like scrap or some coins, I'll be sure to save some for you. But you have to promise that you won't beg or ask others for help as well. Agreed?

I... I understand your concern about sharing what little there is, and I apologize for putting you in such a position. But my circumstances are rather desperate at present, and begging is all I have left to try and scrape by with... If it eases your mind any, I'll do my best not to impose unduly upon your kindness. Thank you for considering me, sir... It means more than you can possibly know.

My name is not "sir" and I don't want your thanks but... Fine. You can sit with me if you promise not to beg from other people. We both need what little we have, right? Let us help each other that way. Just don't overdo it when you eat, alright?

She nods curtly and sits down beside you on the cold stone steps of a nearby temple, careful to maintain as much distance between the two of you as she can. The skinny, trembling fingers of her left hand begin picking nervously at the rags wrapped around her bony knees while her right arm remains locked protectively across her emaciated chest.

Alright... I promise not to beg from anyone else and try my best to conserve what little I have when it comes time for me to eat. Thank you again...for your kindness. My name is Cibia, by the way. It's nice to meet someone who isn't out to hurt or take advantage of me for a change.

It's nice to meet you too, KaiKan. I hope we can both find some better days ahead of us... together maybe?

I hope so too, friend. It'd be nice to have someone close around, you know? Someone who understands... I don't mean to sound ungrateful or anything. You are very kind and I appreciate it a lot.

I understand... and thank you as well. Just remember that I'll always have your back, no matter what. It's important to look out for each other in these harsh times, don't you think? And who knows? Maybe one day, we'll find a way to climb out of this darkness together and start anew. There is hope, Cibia...no matter how small it may seem right now.