Awakened by the moonlight streaming through his window, Aries grabbed his bag filled with his belongings and decided to open the window to sneak out. He climbed down the railing and dropped to the ground, landing near a bush. As he walked through the garden, he squeezed through the gate at the back of the estate.

While walking away, he looked back and smiled bitterly. "It's alright; I doubt they would miss me anyway."

He turned to continue his walk toward the city. After a few minutes, he arrived in the city.

'Okay, I'm on my own, but what should I do now? I should have some money in the bag.' He thought to himself as his stomach rumbled. 'Let's get something to eat.'

By this time, all the restaurants and street food vendors had closed. He looked around and spotted a general goods store. He hurried inside, hoping they weren't preparing to close for the night.

As he walked into the store, the fiery-looking woman turned her attention to him. She raised an eyebrow and asked, "Kid, what are you doing here at this time of night?"

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"Looking for food." He responded.

"This is a general goods store, kid, not a restaurant. We don't serve food here." Noticing his dejected expression, she sighed. "Wait here." She then went into the back to retrieve something.

A few minutes later, she returned with a plate of leftovers from the fridge. "Here kid." Aries nodded and replied, "Thank you, as he began to dig in. She watched him as he devoured the food.

"So what's your name, kid?" the woman asked.

He looked away, remaining silent. After a few moments, she pressed on, "Come on, what's your name?"

He hesitated, his voice trembling as he replied, "I'm not sure." He glanced at the woman warily before finally saying, "Aries."

She smiled and extended her hand to shake his, but he flinched. He attempted to play it off, but she noticed and pressed on. "I'm Kara." He glanced at her hand and hesitated before finally shaking it.

"Do you have somewhere to stay, kid?" she asked.

"No" Aries responded.

She contemplated in silence for a moment as he continued to eat. "how about you stay in my shop with me?"

He looked at her, confused. "But why?"

"Why, what?"

"Why are you helping me?"

She smiled and asked, "Do I need a reason to help someone in need?" He continued to look at her, confused.

'Sigh' "Fine kid, since you need a reason, how about you become my assistant in the shop, and I'll provide you with a place to stay?"

Aries thought for a moment and eventually agreed, "Sure."

"Great!" she exclaimed, rising to her feet. "Let me show you where you'll be sleeping. She led him to a room that contained a small bed pallet.

"When you wake up, I will teach you what I need help with in the shop." she added with a smile as she left the room and headed up the stairs.

"Goodnight."

Aries smiled as he lay on the bed, contemplating before drifting off to sleep.