Elizabeth did as the girl suggested. Then, Katherine lifted her into a princess carry with ease. Elizabeth was surprised to find that the young girl had broad shoulders, and she didn't struggle at all with the lift.

A few minutes later, they arrived at the pharmacy. After the first aid, Elizabeth was deemed healthy. While her injured knee was being treated, Elizabeth watched Katherine as she spoke to the pharmacist, who was bandaging her scraped hand.

“You’re here again. What a surprise…” The pharmacist, an elderly woman, greeted them. Her hazel eyes, partially obscured by a lock of short white hair, were captivating. Her cheeks had a slightly sunken appearance, but what caught Elizabeth’s eye most was the woman’s upright posture. She hadn’t shifted a bit since they entered, as if a soldier were standing in front of them.

Katherine rubbed the back of her neck. It seemed as if the woman were scolding her, and Katherine’s gesture made her appear like a mischievous child.

“Haha… I’m sorry, Mrs. Helen…”

“Don’t apologize, learn from your mistakes. Dear Lord, this kid…” Mrs. Helen muttered, glancing at Katherine’s bandaged hand. “You hurt yourself again. Don’t remove the bandage too soon.”

“Okay, thank you so much.” Katherine replied.

“Your friend’s injuries aren’t major, just some scratches and bruises. But… what happened to the two of you?”

As soon as Katherine opened her mouth to respond, Elizabeth interrupted her, answering for both of them.

“Oh, we just met at a nearby park. I was drunk and tried to go down the stairs, but I tripped. She tried to catch me.” Elizabeth wore her usual expression, a small, polite smile and an innocent demeanor. She had perfected this mask when dealing with others.

After a brief silence, Katherine silently approved of Elizabeth’s explanation. She didn’t object to the lie. But Elizabeth could feel Katherine’s eyes on her.

“This girl here always tries to help those around her, even at her own expense. That’s just who she is.” Mrs. Helen glanced at Katherine over her glasses. “I hope you’ll stop getting into trouble soon. I understand your energy comes from your youth, but try to cool down sometimes. I couldn’t scold you properly last time, so I’m making up for it now.”

“Of course, Mrs. Helen. I’m sorry to cause you trouble,” Katherine said.

Mrs. Helen placed a hand on Katherine’s shoulder. “You’re not bothering me, Katherine. You’re a good kid. That’s why I’m saying all this. And I’m proud of you for saving this lady from further injury.” She patted Katherine’s shoulder warmly.

After taking a package of first-aid supplies that Mrs. Helen insisted on giving them for free, they left the pharmacy. As soon as they stepped outside, Elizabeth yawned.

She definitely doesn’t look like someone who’s homeless, Katherine thought. What should I do now?

“It’s pretty late,” Katherine said. “Let me escort you home, miss.”

Home. Elizabeth thought about how she had left in a rush just a few hours ago. Anger had consumed her at first, then sadness, which quickly turned into panic and fear. She was alone now. Neither her parents nor her brothers were around. She had no one. But when she had been with them, she had never really felt their presence. Or maybe it was their overwhelming influence on her life that she felt the most. They were so controlling that Elizabeth couldn’t imagine a life without them. Now, they were all gone. She had abandoned them, the family that had abandoned her the day she was born.

“I…” she whispered, almost as if to herself, “I can’t go back there.”

She ran away from home. Katherine thought. She waited for Elizabeth to continue, but Elizabeth stayed silent. And Katherine didn’t push her for an explanation. She didn’t want to force the woman to talk if she wasn’t ready. Instead, she focused on finding a solution.

“Since you didn’t have a bag or purse at the park, I assume you don’t have your phone. Do you remember any phone numbers? Someone I can call for you? Friends, maybe?” Katherine asked.

Elizabeth interrupted her softly, her blue eyes filled with sadness. “I don’t.” Her voice was quiet. “I don’t have anyone.”

What do I do? Katherine thought, seeing the woman’s trembling lower lip hidden behind her blonde hair. It was a strange, unsettling feeling. What was it? Why did it make her feel like she saw something in this woman's eyes?

Trying to regain her composure, Katherine quickly spoke again, “I don’t have enough money for a hotel, unfortunately. I may be overstepping, but… my house is nearby. You can be my guest.”

Elizabeth wanted to protest, but the words stuck in her throat. She had no money. Her only options were to stay with a stranger or sleep on the streets. She swallowed hard. “Are you really inviting someone you don’t even know into your house? Aren’t you afraid I might be dangerous?”

Katherine met her gaze directly, and for a brief moment, Elizabeth noticed something dark flicker in the girl’s eyes. It was so quick that she wasn’t sure if she had imagined it. But her heart rate quickened slightly. Then, Katherine’s demeanor shifted again, and she smiled, returning to her usual, cheerful self.

“You’re the first one, though.”

Elizabeth bit her lip, overthinking every possible scenario while alcohol blurred her thoughts. It was like she was fighting with her own mind.

Katherine’s gaze fell to Elizabeth’s bitten lips, and she frowned. “I’m sorry, but please stop biting your lips. You’re going to make them bleed…”

Elizabeth was taken aback, looking at Katherine in surprise.

Katherine continued, “I’m not trying to push you, or anything.”

“I- I understand.” Elizabeth broke their eye contact. “But you’ve already done so much for me.”

“It’s okay,” Katherine reassured her. “I’m just trying to give you some time to breathe.”

Elizabeth didn’t normally talk about herself. At least, she only shared the good things. She always kept her problems to herself. She would lock them away, never letting anyone in. In fact, when she was younger, she had tried to ask her family for help. But in the end, she regretted it and gave up.

“Then… I’ll pay you back as soon as I can,” Elizabeth murmured.

Katherine laughed softly. “Okay.”