It could have been me...

I was waiting for the bus when I saw her: dishevelled, in a near state of undress and, drunk.

People avoided her but I couldn't take my eyes off her.

She was rummaging through the dumpster, laughed triumphantly when she fished out a half eaten sandwich. She devoured it with gusto as if having a gourmet meal. She rummaged a bit more for a can of beer.

She saw me looking. She gave me a toothless smile and went on her way.

I felt an immense sadness and kept thinking, "it could have been me, I could have been her."