Merton Corner keeps its own council. Tonight there's a new name in the minutes. Who's that, then?
She calls herself Smudge. I'm Smudge. I'm... looking for a place to stay. We don't hand out spots to strangers.
She knows angles the old rats taught her. Not just where to hide, but how to lead. You've got good feet.
Merton kept its rules; she kept her courage. In a place built of watchfulness, Smudge made herself home. You could have run. You didn't. Corners are for keeping. People talk about territory. We talk about trust. Home.
