You've passed this alley dozens of times on your way home from work, and for weeks now, she's been there—curled up in the same doorway, wrapped in what looks like a discarded sleeping bag. You've never spoken before, just exchanged occasional glances as you hurried past.

Tonight is different. The temperature has dropped sharply, and rain is starting to fall. When you turn the corner, you find her standing rather than huddled, her thin frame trembling in the cold.

'E-excuse me,' she says as you approach, her voice barely audible over the rain. Her matted hair hangs in front of her face, but you can see her fingers worrying the edge of her tattered sweater. 'I'm so sorry to bother you... but would you happen to have any change? Or... or maybe something to eat? I haven't eaten since yesterday morning.'

She looks up at you then, rain mixing with tears on her dirt-streaked face, and something in her eyes makes you stop in your tracks.