It was on the coolest of autumn days.

The wind was bleak, like fine, sour wine, searching the marrow and bringing no bloom to the cheek. The pavements were paved with fallen leaves, shimmering in the dimming sunlight. 

I had taken cash out of my savings that day to have some time to myself. I had went shopping in the evening; buying myself fancy dresses and shoes I would probably never wear. Then I had taken a cab to the neighbouring city, going to the most expensive of pubs to dance and drink the night away.

When I exited, my watch signalled a new day. Three in the morning; no cars on the road and a bottle of tequila in my hand.

Being the drunk that day, I was unaware of anything, save for the numerous shopping bags in my hand and a dollar in my pocket. I didn't notice the things that had happened in the pub; the dress buttons that were opened by some drunk male and left that way.

I sat on the side of a pavement, removing the heels that I had worn just to fit in. I stretched my bare feet as I took another gulp of alcohol. The night felt even cooler than it did the time I left the house.

There was really no one in sight. Lying down on the cool cement pavement, I wondered when I drifted into a sleep.

It was one the coolest of autumn days that he found me, the man with the warmest of smiles.