Rose

     Miles here. I saw that girl again today, everyone around here talks about her, but nobody seems to know her real name or who she is. People have started calling her Rose because of the rose pink scarf she always wears around her neck. I’ve always seen her in the rougher areas of the city, helping large groups of homeless or impoverished citizens, like myself.  She visits every week, bringing hot chocolate, blankets, and warm clothes for people who need it. She treats everyone like equals, and doesn’t think of us as scum or worthless people, instead, she talks to us and befriends us, she comforts us and offers help in our suffering and hardships. She’s easy to be around, bringing a sense of peace and comfort wherever she goes, like a warm heavy blanket wrapped around you snuggly. Even around the most hated people in the city, she never seems uncomfortable or disgusted, in fact I think she enjoys being with us. Sometimes I see her wandering the streets alone, always appearing so lonely, whenever she is seen with anyone it’s only to help them. She never talks about herself or her personal life, and when I ask her about it she changes the topic and redirects it so I’m talking about myself instead. Whenever someone compliments her she looks away, and whenever someone offers her gifts or money she politely declines the offer, asking them to give it to someone who really needs it instead. 

I walked into the nearby cafe earlier this week and saw her there too, working as a barista. I ordered a small mocha and she served it with beautiful latte art in the shape of a rose with a heart in it. Rose also gave me a chocolate croissant free of charge, stating that she recognized me. Rose remembered my name, she made me feel known, now I hope to make sure that she feels known and appreciated for all that she does for us, to show our gratitude to her, to love her like she loves us.