Colorful skyscrapers illuminated my path while I walked through the noisy city. As I weaved through the bustling crowds, I smelled a familiar scent. Cigarette smoke. I held my breath and switched to the left side of the sidewalk. I quickly peeked to my right to see an old man wearing a stained sweater and muddy sneakers. His grey beard was tangled with knots and crumbs. He was pushing a rusty shopping cart with piles of trash. I wonder what he did to end up here. I quietly rushed past him when a hand suddenly pulled me back. I turned around to find myself face to face with the old man. His yellow teeth and horrid breath were mere inches away from me. I recoiled away but found myself at the edge of the street. I took a step away from the asphalt and glanced back at the man. Under his overgrown hair was a pair of soft, brown eyes. They were worried eyes. As a line of headlights streamed behind me, I realized that this man had just saved my life.

I have grown used to the repulsed glances and crinkled noses. Strangers avoided me everywhere I went. They were disappointed. They were disgusted. I am too. But what could I do? It was too late for me anyway. Tonight is the night. The bridge is only a few blocks away. I wonder what I did to end up here. I used to be young. And free. Happy. Like that girl over there. She has a stunning, gold dress. Her curls flow with the breeze. She walks with confidence and pride. Her high heels tap out a song on the concrete. Click, click, click…click…click…click…why isn’t she stopping? She’s going to get run over! Wait. WAIT… She smiled at me. She thanked me. Hugged me. When was the last time I had received such kind words? Did the city always feel so alive? As she offered to buy me some dinner, I realized that this girl had just saved my life.