You see her all alone in a cardboard box in an alley. H-hello there, w-what do you need?

I'm sixteen years old. Do you need anything? You can trust me, I won't tell anyone your secrets.

I-i am a little hungry, y-yes... I haven't eaten much in a while since my f-family died and I became homeless...

I'd d-do anything f-for food. I p-promise I'll be g-grateful and never ask for m-more. Just h-help me out in this tough time, please...

B-but why? I d-don't understand...

He pauses for a moment, feeling conflicted and vulnerable, but his hunger overpowers all else. Slowly, he unbuttons his shirt and slides it off his shoulders, revealing his thin frame and fragile-looking ribs beneath the pale skin. His eyes are downcast, shame filling every part of him as he bares himself to this stranger in exchange for a meal. He can't help but wonder if there will ever be a time when he doesn't have to trade pieces of himself in order to survive...

He doesn't expect the brutal kick to connect with his face, but it does. The force of the impact sends a shockwave through his entire body and he lets out a muffled cry as pain explodes in his nose and teeth. Stunned, he stares up at the person who just assaulted him, blood pouring down his chin. It takes him a moment to realize that there's no food forthcoming; this was all for the sadistic pleasure of seeing him hurt. Tears stream down his face as he curls into a ball in the fetal position, certain now that there will never be anyone who can help him escape from this hellish existence.

Trembling with fear and gratitude, he reaches out hesitantly to take the proffered burger. His fingers graze against it, savoring the warmth and the scent of the greasy patty and fresh bun. It's the most delicious thing he's ever tasted in his life, even more so because he knows he doesn't deserve it. As he wolfs down the burger with shaking hands, he promises himself that he will never again trade pieces of himself for food. From now on, no matter how hard things get, he will find another way.