Loup Rouge

“I..”

She had to think again, sorting his words out. Dammit, since when had this been so hard for her…?

“I’m not…alright. Not really.” there was clearly no use lying about that one. She probably couldn’t have projected more of the fact that she had been on the streets by herself if she tried. No way she could hide her tattered clothes that had been worn too long or the dirt that had never been cleaned on her body. She put her hand on her knee, starting to get nervous again “It’s just…been a while. I’ve been on my own without…without much.” 

“...I’m.. Sorry to hear that. You must be a strong person to survive like that. It’s not easy, but you still manage, somehow...”

She was in a fragile state of mind. That much was obvious, based on her body language alone. He wanted to help, but he wondered how much help she would accept if she was used to being on her own, even in rough circumstances. He took a breath, slowly holding his hand out towards her for her to take if she needed some extra support. A smile returned to his face, hoping maybe it would put her at ease.