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cabaComment by K3Master: She sat outside on the cold, wet ground and stared at the market sitting just across from her. She was sick from the wet and chilly air, and hungry, oh so hungry. Inside, there was food. Enough to feed a population of people and more, but none of it was for her. No, she had no means with which to purchase it.
A terrible cough escaped her, cutting her throat and strangling a cry of pain from her. She leaned back against the crumbling wall behind her and closed her eyes and dreamed of strolling into that market just there, dreamed of being a lady of some standing and buying everything her heart desired. She dreamed of sitting down and consuming the dainties and a smile touched her lips as she drifted off into an uneasy and feverish sleep, huddled in her rags and shivering now and then in a violent and frightening way.
When she awoke, not too long after, having been disturbed by something, her hand dropped to her side and touched something there that hadn't been there before. It was a paper bag, and it was warm to the touch. She gasped as a smell rose from it that shocked her and caused a pang of hunger in her stomach as she barely recognized that smell. A scent that she thought it impossible she'd ever know again. She tore open the bag, and there it was, a carton filled with good, hot food. She looked up suddenly, staring at the market, and there in the window was a man, looking back at her. He smiled, and waved, and then turned and walked away, disappearing down the halls inside.
She stared after him until he was gone, and then looked down at the gift of food. He must have brought it while she slept. That was what had woken her. A tear escaped her eye and she began to eat, gratefully, and learned that day that kindness had not completely disappeared from the world.
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