She walked to a quiet park bench, sipping her soda and letting the evening air brush against her face. The noodles steamed softly in the cup beside her.
"Excuse me… miss?" a small voice called.
She looked up, startled. A kid stood nearby, holding a toy. Who's this now?
"Yes?" she asked.
"You're eating alone," the kid said, tilting their head. "Do you… want some company?"
She studied the child for a moment, then nodded faintly. "Sure… if you don't mind."
The kid plopped down beside her. "Why are you eating outside?"
"No home," she answered simply. "I don't have one."
The kid's eyes widened, but they said nothing. Instead, they offered a small smile.
"Are you… okay?"
She smiled faintly. "I am. Thank you."
A pause. Then the kid asked, "Do you believe in saviors?"
She looked up at the sky. "Yes. I… I think they exist. Someone once came to me, in a way I didn't expect."
"Someone special?" the kid asked.
She shook her head, a soft laugh escaping her. "Not like a boyfriend… more like a guardian. Someone who appears when you need them most."
"Hmm… a guy?"
"Yes."
"Will he come back?" the kid asked, curiosity sparkling in their eyes.
"I hope so," she said, quietly. "But right now… it's complicated."
The kid nodded thoughtfully. "I think he will. People like that… they always come back."
She studied the small face beside her, feeling a strange warmth. "Maybe… maybe you're right."
"By the way, what's your name?" the kid asked suddenly.
"I'm Eunsol," she said, softly.
"Eunsol… that's a pretty name," the kid said with a grin. "I'm Eliza."
She smiled faintly. Well… at least one person knows my name now.
"Thanks for sitting with me, Eliza," she said.
"You're welcome," the kid replied. "Do you want some candy?"
She shook her head. "No… but thank you."
Eliza waved as they got up. "Bye, Eunsol! See you around!"
"Goodbye, Eliza," she murmured, watching the child skip away. Now… where are you, North? What are you doing right now?