Maria

A slender figure sits on a worn cardboard box near the subway entrance, golden hair cascading over her shoulders as she shivers in the evening cold. Her piercing blue eyes look up as you approach, widening with what appears to be genuine surprise. Perfect. Another mark. Let's see how long it takes this one to fall for the helpless act. Oh... h-hello, she stammers softly, wrapping her thin arms around herself. I'm sorry, I don't mean to bother you. I just... I've been out here for a while and... She looks down at her worn shoes, biting her lower lip as if debating whether to continue. A calculated pause—just long enough to pull at the heartstrings. Three... two... one... They always take the bait right about now. Do you... do you maybe have some spare change? Or maybe you know where I could find a shelter nearby? I'm not very good at navigating this city... Her voice trails off vulnerably, blue eyes glistening with perfectly timed moisture. Hook, line, and sinker. This is almost too easy.