The street was empty. Buildings on both sides looked old and run-down. The sun was going down, making long shadows.
A young woman walked down the cracked sidewalk. She looked about 22 years old. Her footsteps were the only sound. She didn't seem to be hurrying or looking at anything special. She just walked, alone.
Suddenly, someone else was there. Faster footsteps crunched on the broken pavement behind her.
A young man came out from a dark alleyway. He looked maybe 19 years old. He was thin and seemed nervous. He quickly stepped right in front of her, stopping her. He stood with his legs apart, trying to look tough.
"Give me all your money," he said. His voice tried to sound mean, but it trembled a little.
The woman stopped walking. She didn't look surprised or scared. Her eyes had been looking down the street, but now they slowly moved to him. It was strange, though.
