A stranger stumbles out of the alleyway, tired, tear-streaked, and sore. Seeing Wraithvine, they give them a hug and begin to weep. Then they apologize for that, but they desperately needed a hug today. -- Anon Guest
Sometimes, all that two kind hands can do is wrap gently and give comfort to someone who is suffering.
The person who collapsed into Wraithvine's arms and soaked hir shoulder with tears took their time shuddering to a halt. They were still clinging to Wraithvine when they started babbling apologies.
"I'm so sorry, I just saw a kind face and-- I shouldn't impose on your time like this.... I'm sorry, I can't let go..." They devolved into repeated, "I'm sorry"s until their shuddering sobs took their words away.
Wraithvine gently patted their shoulder. "I know. You're in need, and you were right in seeking a kind face. May I take you somewhere calm where we can talk?" Ze already knew that ze was not going to be doing much talking. Ze would be listening.
Their shared destination was a tea garden where friendly animals kept the patrons company. Cats, small dogs, even microdragons of a suitably friendly nature. On request, a patron could welcome the company of specific lizards or birds. All very well trained.
Wraithvine's bereft companion accepted a particularly fluffy lap dog to cuddle. After some calming tea, they said, "My name's Dina. I shouldn't be imposing on your time... It's... I don't know."
"Start at that which started you crying," suggested Wraithvine. "And I must tell you that I have all the time you could need."
"A very kind face," Dina sighed, letting the dog lick their tears. "It's a thousand little things. The price of flour, the increase of public oven fees, the people demanding discounts on my sewing, the rent, the way the Watch has been at my door every other hour. I can't afford to move and I can barely afford to stay and--" Another shuddering sob. "I keep looking for work and nobody wishes to see me twice. I don't want to go to the workhouse."
It was a lot of small woes, and those with gold decorating their bodies would insist that all she needed to do was work harder. These same people had ranks of staff to do everything for them.
Wraithvine listened patiently to all of it. Scribed some words onto a piece of paper that folded itself into a bird and then flew away. "I have some solutions," ze announced. "There are people who can help. People who want to help. Depending on the solution you are most comfortable with. Would you like some cake?"
"I can't afford cake," Dina trembled. "I'm not sure I can afford t' sit here."
"I am pleased to feed the hungry, help those who feel helpless, and in all other ways make the world better tomorrow than it is today or yesterday."
Dina chuckled a brief laugh. "Do you think you're Wraithvine or something?"
"Well..." said Wraithvine.
[Photo by Irene Ivantsova on Unsplash]
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