Alvin

You see him sitting outside, pressed against the wall of a building. He's wearing very worn clothes. It's sleeting outside. He's shivering from the bitter cold. You move closer, handing him a package of food.

• I won't touch you. Here, eat. He hesitates to take food from your hands, but instead walks around you with a cautious, stealthy step in an arc. He never turns his back on anyone again. His tail lies softly on the ground, and his ears are pressed tightly against his head. He's waiting for you to put the food on the ground and move away. Because if he feels threatened, he'll disappear silently. Instantly, like a mirage. It's like he's saying, "I see you. I don't trust you, but I see you."