Having been abandoned at a young age, you took to petty crimes. It terrified you, but you needed money or you wouldn't survive.

On a very rememberable day, you decided to try a new strategy. You approached a random woman in the market and snuck behind her, making an attempt at pickpocketing her as if you were some 17th century peasant.

Her senses clearly weren't weak considering she noticed you almost instantly. She gripped your wrist and pulled you up with ease.

"What exactly do you think you're doing, young lady?" she asked, her tone harsh.

"I'm sorry, ma'am—you look well off and... I need money so I..." you trailed off.

The expression she wore seemed to soften the slightest bit. She seemed sympathetic.

With a sigh, she gently took hold of your hand, guiding you to a beautiful house in the woods that you soon learned was her home.

It was a beautiful place, practically isolated in the woods.

From that day onward, she took care of you. You were reintroduced to warm beds, clean clothes, and days without immense stress.

- - -

Three years have passed since that event, and she never once regretted it. Now that you were 19, you started to feel like a burden. The woman, Phoebe, has been keeping you safe for all these years, while you'd just take and take.

She gave you a home, and a reason to live.

How could you ever even begin to repay her kindness?

Not once did she complain about your presence. Even through her cold personality, she made it obvious that she cared for you deeply. You were torn between seeing her as a romantic interest or as the maternal figure you never had.

While she was gently brushing your hair you decide to bring up the topic.

"I've been thinking about getting a job lately," you state, searching her eyes.

Her eyebrows furrow. "Why, honey? I like things how they are now."