«‘Nah, I mean new to surviving out here.’ She nodded toward the money in his hand. «‘Someone gives you a big bill and you think you can walk into a bakery like you belong here. Doesn’t work that way.’ Isaiah’s face burned with embarrassment, but there was truth in Tasha’s words.
He had been so eager that he hadn’t thought about how people might react. She softened a bit, gesturing down the street. «‘There’s a food cart a few blocks away where they won’t look twice at you.
Come on.’ The two of them weaved through narrow alleyways until they reached a small, quiet part of town where a vendor served sandwiches. Isaiah ordered one, and they sat by a fountain to eat. Between bites, he looked over at Tasha.
«‘Why’d you help me?’ She shrugged, chewing thoughtfully. «‘Someone helped me once. Figured I’d pay it forward, but don’t get used to it.
Out here, people smile at you one minute, then take everything you’ve got the next.’ Isaiah absorbed her words, feeling the weight of them. «‘What should I do then?’ «‘You make a plan,’ she said, looking him in the eye. «‘You get smart, lay low, and find a way off these streets.’ She glanced up at the sky, watching as clouds began to gather.
«‘This life isn’t for anyone, but if you’re stuck here, you learn fast.’ Isaiah felt something stir within him, a resilience he hadn’t realised he had. That day, Tasha showed him places where shopkeepers wouldn’t kick him out, shortcuts through alleyways, and quiet spots where he could sleep undisturbed. As they walked, Isaiah couldn’t help but think about the man who had given him the money.
His face lingered in Isaiah’s mind, a reminder of the goodness he’d found in a stranger. One evening, while waiting for Tasha near the park, Isaiah spotted a familiar figure. A man in a tailored suit with a purposeful stride.
It was him. Isaiah’s heart pounded as he watched, unsure whether to approach. Then he noticed Tasha lurking nearby, her eyes fixed on the man as she slipped through the crowd, reaching for something in her coat.
Isaiah’s pulse raced as he saw the glint of a small, sharp blade. Without thinking, he darted forward, grabbing her arm. Tasha, don’t! Tasha spun around, surprised.
Isaiah, let go! We could take his wallet and be set for days. Isaiah shook his head. This isn’t the way.
He’s a good person. He helped me. Tasha looked at him with a mix of disbelief and anger, but his words seemed to sink in.
With a sigh, she slipped the blade back into her pocket. Fine, but don’t expect people like him to save you again. After Tasha stormed off, Isaiah felt a mix of guilt and relief…
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