Three Downtown Voices

"My husband stomped on it," she said. "All the toes broke. It was grounds for divorce. It meant being homeless for a while. I am a house painter by trade. I finally got surgery on my foot so now I'll be able to climb ladders again."

"Are you guys okay in this cold?"
"We huddle together in the tent. But tonight we have a hotel room."

"You have no idea how bad my daughter treats me. I have to get outta here. What I need is a friend. Would you have a cup of coffee with me?"