Weekly Writing Segments

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Wesley looks up at the tall man, a feeling of intimidation cracked down on him. "Umm, n-no, I'm good. Thank you though..." He started walking away, too anxious to do anything further, but he then said, "We weren't here to buy food, my dog just ran away from me."

The vendor chuckled, "Ehh, it's no problem. Happens all the time with dogs, they love to explore where there's trouble." The vendor looked at Wesley and Bud again. A more serious look appeared on his face. Looking at the two, the vendor didn't need to ask how much money the young boy had, his skeletal appearance and unkempt clothes said it all. Where were his parents at all?

He motioned for Wesley to step closer, speaking in a hushed tone. "If you don't mind me asking, are you and your dog alright? You both look a little under the weather." The vendor's expression was riddled with deep concern.

"Yeah, w-we're fine," he said, looking down and away from him. He didn't want him looking at his face; not because he was a criminal, but because he was self-aware of how homeless he looked.

"Where are your parents?" The vendor asked, looking more concerned. A young boy shouldn't be outside alone, especially not like this.

"T-they uh..." Wesley looked down, resting his hands behind him. He was too discomforted to answer. "I-I don't know..."

"You don't know?" The vendor asked, growing evermore worried. He wanted to ask him more about it, but he decided not to push any further, he didn't want to stress the kid out. "When's the last time you've eaten?"

His stomach suddenly gave a somber growl, making him wince a little, but he tried to reassure himself, "R-recently. We're a bit late for lunch, I guess, but we'll surely eat at home. I don't have the money for anything right now," he said before backing away and heading back the way he came.

The vendor stopped him, "Hold on a minute. I can offer you two hot dogs for free," the vendor reached under the counter and made two quick hot dogs for Wesley and his companion.

Wesley initially was hesitant to accept the food, it felt humiliating to be pitied to the point of receiving free food like the homeless person he was. His face flushed as he slowly backed up further, "Uh, I-I really don't think that's necessary. You really don't have to..."

Rolla quietly scolds Wesley into accepting the free food, "Come on, this is a once-in-a-lifetime thing, are you really gonna turn this down?"

Wesley still felt hesitant, but once Bud made worried and desperate whimpers and barks, he felt bad for him since he knew they needed this food, for Bud especially. He sighed heavily, thinking if he should just swallow his pride down his dry throat and accept the help for once, for Bud's sake if not anything else. But still, should he? Or should he just only take one for Bud, at least that way he didn't have to worry about him starving.

Rocco could hear his thoughts and they weren't good. He poofed into view, laying on his shoulder, "Heya pal, I know ya care about Bud and all, but ya need this too. Your stomach is waaay flatter than he is," Rocco said with criticism.

The vendor could sense Wesley's hesitation. Though he didn't entirely understand why, he didn't judge him for refusing his help, assuming the hard life he'd obviously been through. Though, he knew they desperately needed it, especially considering how dangerous it was for them to be that skinny.