NOVEL NEXT 
“Just gotta make it through today,” he thought. That was his mantra. A small hope in a bleak world.
A gruff voice broke through his thoughts. “Hey, kid, you still breathin’?”
He looked up.
It was Big Joe, a man who usually hung around the alley. Big Joe wasn’t exactly friendly, but he wasn’t actively trying to hurt him either, which was saying something.
“Yeah,” Ned mumbled, his voice raspy. “Just… cold.”
Joe grunted, his thick arms crossed over his chest. “Cold ain’t the worst thing. Seen kids freeze to death out here.” He pulled a half-eaten bagel out of his pocket. “Here.” He tossed it to him.
Ned caught it, surprised. “Thanks.” He tore into it, the stale bread tasting like the best thing he’d ever eaten.
“Don’t mention it,” Joe said. “Just…try not to die, kid. Makes the alley look bad.” He chuckled, a low rumble. Then he turned and walked away.
Ned finished the bagel, the small meal giving him a bit of strength. “Kind of Joe but he is still a jerk,” he thought. “But a helpful jerk.” He knew Joe wouldn’t help again anytime soon, this was just a one time thing.
Ben 10: The System novel is a popular light novel covering Tv genres. Written by the Author Mysticscaler . Read Ben 10: The System novel online for free.