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Homeless Woman-Personal Narrative

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Dropping Mr. Potato Head, I dash for the door. Down the stairs, I sprint as my heart rate increases and worst-case scenario thoughts infiltrate my brain. I peek into the office. Nothing. Where could she be? I check the kitchen, then the living room — still no sign of my mom. Could she be hurt, or worse, dead? To the basement, I continue my search, but my efforts are to no avail. I sit down, defeated and terrified that I am home alone. Flash forward eight years. My mom and I are in Boston walking the busy streets of the city when I spot a woman. She is disheveled, missing teeth, and carrying a trash bag of belongings, approaching each passerby asking if they have a minute to talk or change to spare. Her request is met with blank stares. Everyone seems completely unfazed by her questions as if she does not exist. As this homeless woman gets closer to my mom and me, I get a clear view of her face full of loneliness and hopelessness. Those around us continue on their way, and I burst out crying. I had never experienced such a spontaneously emotional response to anything or anyone in my life, but she was different. She was living my worst childhood nightmare. That woman …show more content…

My first interaction with Steve occurs during an ordinary afternoon shift when the store is empty. Instead of being loud, excited, and cheerful like most customers, Steve wears dark sweats, a Red Sox cap to conceal his ungroomed, thinning hair, and an aloof expression on his face. As he weighs and pays for his oversized cup of yogurt, I experience a familiar ache of sadness. Immediately, I feel myself disengaging as I resist meeting his eyes. But he needs someone. I walk over to the table where he is sitting and introduce myself. What starts as an awkward conversation develops into an involved discussion about life and hardship. He offers me wisdom and advice, promising that he will be back for my shift next

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