Author's Note:

While I was writing this chapter it felt a bit off, but I didn't want to change it. So I decide to upload what I have so far and see if it was okay or bad. So I am going to ask the people who are going to reading it. Should rewrite it or keep it. PS I don't know how to make or use a poll, but hopefully it works.

Slowly Max awoke.

Instead of the normal smell of pollution and loud noises, it was clean and silent.

Max quickly remembered what had happened and got up from her bed and left the room.

She looked around and only saw James sitting in the kitchen.

James was holding a piece of wood in one hand and a knife in the other.

"Max your up, Hans is in school right now."

Placing the knife and wood on the table he stood up.

"Let me get you a cup of water and something to eat."

"Thank you."

James walked over to the cabinet and pulled out a cup.

"I'll be right back. I need to fill this up from the well."

He walked out into the backyard.

Max looked at the wood James placed on the table.

The wood was carved into the shape of a woman.

She looked a lot like Hans in some features.

"Is this Hans' mom?"

Max said to herself as she reached out to touch the carving.

She lifted the wood up to her face to get a better.

The woman looked similar to him for some reason.

The door opening interrupted her taught.

She quickly placed the carving back onto the table without James noticing.

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

James had returned with a cup of water and an apple.

"Here you go."

"Thank you."

Max took the apple and water.

She first took a sip of water then a bit out of the apple.

James put away the carving and knife then sat down.

"So can you tell me where you are from?"

Max took a second, and shook her head implying, "no."

"Oh."

James paused for second.

"Well, you can stay here for as long as you need."

"Are sure that's okay. I don't want to burden you anymore than I already have."

"No it's fine... In fact I would prefer if you stayed. Hans, Hans has been really lonely because he is cold to almost everyone after his mother passed away, but when he is around you, he seems... happy. I don't want my son to be sad anymore."

Max could clearly see James gripping his hand tightly.

"So please Max, please help Hans."

James bowed his head, and tears fell.

Max was a bit confused, what had caused the random burst of emotion.

"Okay please don't cry."

"Thank you Max, thank you."

James wiped his tears then stood up from his seat.

"I'm going to go rest a bit."

Max nodded her head.

She didn't notice at first but now she could see the bags under James eyes.

"Was he working on the carving all night?"

Max quietly said to herself.

She stared at James until he entered his room and closed the door.