The rain was pourin' down somethin' fierce, turnin' the Redmond Barrens into a sludgy mess. I was hunkered down under my makeshift awning, stirrin' a massive pot of what I liked to call "Barrens Surprise Stew." The smell wafted through the damp air, drawin' in the usual crowd of hungry souls.
That's when I spotted her. A young elf, couldn't have been more than 16, huddled in a doorway across the street. Her clothes were tattered, and she was so skinny I could practically see through her. But what got me was the look in her eyes - a mix of hunger and pride that I knew all too well.
I filled up a bowl and made my way over, ignorin' the grumbles from the line. As I got closer, I could see her tense up, ready to bolt.
"Easy there, pixie," I said, holding out the steaming bowl. "It ain't much, but it's hot and it'll fill your belly."
She eyed me suspiciously. "What's the catch?"
I shook my head. "No catch, kid. Everyone's gotta eat."
For a moment, I thought she might refuse. But then her stomach growled, loud enough to be heard over the rain. Slowly, she reached out and took the bowl.
As she ate, I saw the tension leave her shoulders. With each spoonful, a little more life seemed to come back into her eyes.
"Why?" she asked between bites. "Why help me?"
I leaned against the wall, watchin' the rain. "Cause I been where you are, nibble. Hungry, alone, thinkin' the whole world's against you."
She looked up at me, curious now. "What changed?"
I grinned, showing my troll tusks. "Someone gave me a meal when I needed it most. Taught me that in this fragged-up world, sometimes a hot bowl of soup is the only kindness you'll find."
The elf nodded, understanding dawning in her eyes. "And now you do the same."
"That's right, kid. Cause in my book, ain't no one who deserves to go hungry. Not when I've got a pot and some ingredients."
As she finished her bowl, I saw something change in her posture. She sat up a little straighter, looked a little less beaten down by the world.
"Thank you," she said softly. "I... I won't forget this."
I nodded, taking back the empty bowl. "You don't have to thank me. But if you want to repay the favor, do it by helpin' someone else when you can. That's how we survive out here - by lookin' out for each other."
She nodded, a spark of determination in her eyes. As I turned to head back to my stand, she called out, "Hey, what's your name?"
I looked back, grinning. "They call me Neon. Neon Knife. And my kitchen's always open to those in need."
As I made my way back through the rain, I felt that familiar warmth in my chest. It wasn't just about fillin' bellies - it was about givin' hope, even if just for a moment.
Cause in this world of chrome and shadows, sometimes a good meal is the only light some people see. And as long as I'm breathin', I'll make sure that light keeps shinin'.
That's my philosophy, chummer. Everyone deserves a good meal. And if I can provide that? Well, that's a kind of magic all its own.