Chapter 30 - The Circle Complete

Standing in the shadow of the rain was a young girl, no older than eight, clutching a wet coat around her shoulders and staring hungrily at the glowing dining room. Lucia walked out into the rain, crouched down to meet the child's eyes, and extended her hand with a warm, familiar smile.
"Come inside, little one," Lucia said softly, leading her through the warm doorway toward a steaming bowl of broth. "You don't need any money here. No one ever goes hungry here."