Reginaâs efforts seemed to be an exercise in futility, for the homeless man she pursued for a story had not so much as glanced her way.
As days turned into weeks, the number of journalists sticking around dwindled, until Regina was the only one left.
By day, she felt fine, her courage unwavering. But nightâs cloak seemed to bring a shiver of fear. Eventually, bracing herself, she approached the man once more.
âDonât you wanna talk about what happened to you?â she prodded. âLook around, everyoneâs gone. Even if you're not talking to a rookie, you donât have much choice now, do you?â
The man, wrapped in his threadbare coat, didnât even lift his eyes. It was as if he lived in a vacuum, oblivious to Reginaâs plea.
Under normal circumstances, Regina would have moved on to another story, but this man had been ranting about losing everything he held dear, and she didnât dare broach his sorrows uninvited.
Pacing restlessly, she finally stamped her foot in determination and dragged her gear to sit directly opposite him.
âI'm not leaving if youâre not talking. Letâs see who lasts longer,â Regina declared, not wanting her previous efforts to have been in vain.
She also harbored a glimmer of hope that this could be her big break, the story that would turn her career around.
She wasnât alone in that place; other homeless folks were around.
And that night, trouble found her.
Adrunkard, reeking of cheap booze, stumbled upon the sight of Regina, fair and beau and made a beeline for her.
Before he could reach her, Regina wrapped herself in her blanket, keeping her gaze fir on the ground.
âPsst-hey there, pretty lady, why so shy? Donât you wanna look up and give me a smile Disgust churned within Regina at his words, but she was alone and couldn't risk confrontation.
This man had been lurking around for a couple of days, waiting for his chance. Now, emboldened by alcohol, he wasnât about to miss his shot.
âCome on, girlie, what do you say about hanging with me? | might be older, but | know how to treat a lady right. Heh, stick with me, and you won't be sorry. Come on, donât be shy, look at me!â
Reginaâs brow furrowed in revulsion.
This vagrant, oe had gating fd his nane ra@thea dacity to speak to her that way.
She shuffled away, desperate to avoid his touch.
âPlaying hard to get, are we? Come here, let me have a good look at you!â
The drunkard grabbed Reginaâs arm, and she let out a shriek, jumping away and abandoning her blanket.
Retreating to a safe distance, she was dressed practically in her jacket agd dark pahts, vane! I atiace exposed. Yet to a predator like him, her very presence was an invitation.
âBack off! Come any closer, and Iâm calling the cops!â Regina warned, her voice fierce with defiance.
The drunkard laughed, dismissing her threat. âYou thin you cartalk tome like that? vd be your kind before.
You're lucky Iâm even giving you the time of day!â
But Regina stood her ground, her phone already in hand, ready to dial for help.