With shuffling steps, Mrs. Gamble walked slowly with her red and white cane through the dark alley. While her grandchildren often told her to be careful going out and about at night, she knew that in the small town of Tipple, there was not a safe place on earth. The alley was a convenient shortcut to her house, to which she would be glad to retreat, given the incoming snow and high winds. The snow made it a bit difficult to navigate with the cane, as often the depth of hidden objects was greatly skewed by the downy stuff.
Suddenly, Mrs. Gamble was aware of a presence near her. It was an unspoken skill of the blind, that - the ability to sense that there were certain edifices or persons in one's general vicinity. Often, she hardly noticed, not to mention the many times her perception of others failed - poor Tippy. She should have warned her regardless, given Mrs. Gamble liked to disrobe as soon as she was home.
"Yes?" Mrs. Gamble asked into the rushing wind.
"I... am--" came the rasping voice, and Mrs. Gamble was taken aback.
"-ill! You have quite the scratchy voice, dear. You shouldn't be out in such bad weather."
There was a pause, and Mrs. Gamble looked up towards the source of the voice. My, he was a tall man. She had to really crane her neck.
"Do you need something?"
"I need... warmth. Of a human body."
"Oh, you're a lonely soul. You poor dear," Mrs. Gamble said before the voice could interject further. "Well, I'm quite sorry, but it would be irresponsible for me to take you home, haha! But! It seems you are in dire need. Here - my jacket."
And the woman began to shrug off her bright red coat, the wind cutting through the sweater she had underneath. She offered it towards the voice with a smile, though nothing reached back towards her.
"Er... I want... the warmth of the blood of--"
"Oh! Of blood pudding? I have a coupon for it in this pocket, actually. Marina's has a special on it for this week," Mrs. Gamble said brightly. "Now, dear, there's no reason to stand on ceremony. Charity's for those who need it, and you seem to need it! My father always said that refusing charity is like tying an anchor to your foot - does you little good, and in fact slows you down. Come now, I've five more at home."
There was naught but the whistle of wind through the alley, and something took hold of the coat, hesitantly drawing it away from Mrs. Gamble's grasp. The older woman felt a spike of pity that she wasn't about to let the poor dear into her house, but alas, even she knew better. As safe as Tipple was...
"Now, if there's anything you need, don't hesitate to ask around here. There's a shelter, actually, on 10th, and Marina's gives meals to the disadvantaged in the mornings, so feel free," Mrs. Gamble offered brightly. "Now, I'd best be off now. Have a good night, dear!"
And with that, Mrs. Gamble began towards home. The thing in the alley, spindly and more shadow than form, stared after her with red eyes before looking at the bright crimson coat in its hands. It slowly shrugged the thing on around its form, rolling its shoulders with appreciation. It was still warm, and somehow that felt... good. The shadowy figure looked about the town and, with a loping stride, instead began to walk towards another town farther on, tucking its hands into the pockets while holding onto a coupon for half off blood pudding at Marina's.