It was while I was driving through the city one afternoon that I noticed her\u2014a disheveled woman bent over a trash can, rummaging through discarded bags. I wasn\u2019t sure why I even slowed down to look. People like her were everywhere, blending into the background of the busy streets. But something about her caught my attention. There was a determination in the way she moved, a fierceness in her frail frame that seemed to defy her circumstances.<\/p>\n
Before I knew what I was doing, I pulled over and rolled down the window. She looked up, startled, her wide eyes locking onto mine. For a moment, I thought she might run, but instead, she stood up straight, brushing the dirt from her faded jeans. She didn\u2019t say anything, just stared at me warily.<\/p>\n
\u201cDo you need help?\u201d I asked, my voice sounding strange even to my own ears. I wasn\u2019t one to talk to strangers, let alone offer help to someone in her situation.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou offering?\u201d she shot back, her voice sharp, but there was a weariness in her tone, like she\u2019d heard every false promise the world had to offer.<\/p>\n