Alley

Old Man Larry shuffled his aching feet quickly across the poorly paved side street. A few pavers sticking up at odd angles caught his bare toes nearly dropping him to the ground more than once. He was in a hurry and wasn't affording himself his usual caution.

As a main road, there were more of them than elsewhere in this central section of the city, crossed his path he tucked his prize away under an arm, keeping watch that no one saw him or what he carried. Pausing only briefly to check traffic, he shuffled his way through people and a few carriages made slow by the crowd, the main street pavers giving him no obstacle.

On the otherside of the busy street he slipped into an alley where there was a tiny alcove between two buildings. Here he had a small measure of privacy and could be sure no one was watching as he drew out his prize from under his arm.

The fresh warm bread still steamed in the early Winter morning. He resisted the urge to tear into it with reckless abandon. After all, it was a full loaf! He carefully considered how long he could last on that loaf if need be. It's not likely that he will ever get another one of this quality again.

He torn off a quarter of the bread, marvelling at how easy it came apart in his hands. More steam escaped from its innards. He took a moment to enjoy the warm scent as it wafted over his face. Winter was here and it was no small feat to ward off the growing chill that came with it. He stashed the large part into the folds of his rags, keeping his torso warm and bit into the slice he had tore off. He took small bites, nibbling at its sweet softness, relishing in its warmth.