Every Night in the City

A rustle in the ally is muffled by the loud music spilling from the bar into the surrounding streets.

A dumpster lid bangs open as little fingers reaching in hoping for the smallest crumb.

A passing light from a car shines briefly across her, revealing an innocent little girl. Her body and clothes matted and caked from months wandering the streets. Her engorged stomach a harbinger of dangerous hunger that threatens to consume her. Left to her own inner motivation, she must find strength to keep living.

Bass pumping, shaking her core as she hears laughter and shouts of enjoyment from within the bar just steps away.

Silently, she pulls out a black, gut wrenching odorous bag. A bag filled with half eaten meals and long forgotten rotting food. Her stomach no longer churns at the smell or the thought of consuming what resembles food. It now has become a welcoming comfort.

She brings a stale piece of bread smothered in mold resembling cheese to her lips. The present kairos guides her to quickly consuming every last crumb. Reduced to that of a dog unsure of where her next meal will come, she digs into a feast meant for the rats.

Quietly, she finishes. Standing, she disappears down the ally to her only solitude and safety. A piece of cardboard tucked between two dumpsters is the only thing in this world she can call her own.

Laying down, she curls herself up tight to keep herself warm. Her curved back resembling a bight as she wipes away a single tear. Her heart wishing someone would want her. She prays once more for a miracle she is no longer sure she believes in.

Becoming more sedated, she looks up at the patch of night sky through the buildings and for a fading moment, she is filled with hope. Hope that she isn't alone.