10. Agatha

As I walked inside the village, I couldn't help but be fascinated by the sights and sounds surrounding me. I couldn't help but feel nervous because it was so overwhelming. As I wandered around the settlement, I realized it wasn't a village at all; it was far too large.

After roaming around for a while, I suddenly realized I didn't have any money. But I wasn't too concerned. If something bad happened, I'd merely leave the village and sleep in the forest, but I didn't want to do that.

As I wandered about, an elderly lady named approached me and handed me an apple. When I told her I didn't have any money, Old Woman answered, "It's fine, sweetie. You appear to be in need of some nutrition."

I looked down at myself and realized that, while I wasn't as skinny as I used to be, I was muscular and lean, but my clothes were ripped all over, giving me the appearance of a beggar.

When I realized this, my face flushed with shame, so I accepted the apple and sat down opposite the elderly lady.

Seeing me sit down beside her, the old woman smiled and said, "Eat slowly. I have more if you want."

I told her I wasn't hungry, that I was from a village far away, and that I had been living in the forest for a time, which was why I looked the way I did. I promised her that I would repay her as soon as I found work.

"Then I'll have to sell you more apples," the old lady said, "and you'll have to pay me more." and giggled

I accepted her offer with a laugh, and she then questioned how I had survived in the forest. Maybe it was because I hadn't talked to anyone in a while that I ended up telling her most of what happened in the forest.

After listening to me for a while, the old woman told me that there was a butcher's shop nearby that buys meat, which would likely earn me some money to help me survive in the village. She said she lived in the suburbs and that if I ever got hungry again, I could come to find her. She stood up and began to walk away, saying this.

I asked her name as she was leaving, and she turned around and said, "Agatha." I looked in her direction until she was no longer visible, then turned around and began walking in the direction of the butcher.

As I walked towards the butcher's shop, he could smell the distinct aroma of fresh meat. I took a deep breath and pushed the door open.

Inside, I noticed a vast room with various cuts of meat hung from hooks. Shelves stocked with spices and other items dotted the walls. A man in a white apron was sharpening a huge knife behind a counter in the back of the room.

I cleared my throat as I approached the counter to gain the man's attention. The butcher raised his head and smiled at me. "Good morning, can I help you?".

I replied, "Yes, I was told you could use some fresh meat. I've got several rabbits that I caught in the forest."

I pulled three rabbits from my bag and set them on the counter. The butcher took one of the rabbits and examined it carefully "These appear to be in fine condition. What do you want for them? ".

"I was thinking maybe 8 silver coins for the bunch," Max said. The butcher counter said "I'll give you four silver coins in exchange. That is a reasonable price."

After some negotiating, the Butcher agreed and added "No more than 5 silver coins. It's the last offer."

I replied, "Okay, that sounds good."

The butcher counted out 5 silver coins and handed them to Max

.

"Thanks for bringing these to me. If you have more in the future, feel free to come back."

"I will definitely do that."

The butcher nods and Max leaves the shop with the silver coins in his pocket. He felt a sense of accomplishment, knowing that he had finally found a way to earn some money and survive in the village. He decided to go back and thank Agatha for her help and pay her back for the apples she gave him.

I couldn't help but feel excited as I went through the village's outskirts. I met Agatha earlier today, and she was kind enough to offer me food and advice. I had taken her advice and sold some rabbits to the butcher, earning a bit of money for myself.

I was on my way to see her and thank her for her kindness. I strolled through the village's winding lanes, taking in the sights and noises. Laughter and yelling filled the air as children played in the streets. The aroma of baking bread and roasting meat filled the air, making my stomach grumble.

I couldn't help but feel a sense of belonging as I strolled. After weeks of being alone in the forest, people and life finally surrounded me. I had the impression that I had a purpose and that I could establish a life for myself here.

I finally made it to Agatha's place. The house was small but cozy, with a thatched roof and a garden in front. I knocked on the door and waited, my heart pounding with excitement.

The door opened and Agatha appeared, her kind face breaking into a smile when she saw me. "Oh, Max! I'm so glad you could make it. Come in, come in!" she said, gesturing for me to enter.

As I stepped inside, the warmth and comfort of the house struck me. With a fire going in the fireplace and the aroma of freshly baked bread filling the air, it was snug and inviting.

Agatha escorted me to a seat at the table and served me bread and butter. "Max, I'm so glad you're here. I was concerned about you. How are you doing? Have you found a job yet?" Her eyes were filled with concern as she asked.

"I haven't yet, but I did sell some rabbits to the butcher and make some money. I wanted to thank you for your kindness, "I responded by giving her the silver coins.

Agatha smiled and shook her head. "You don't have to pay me back, Max. I'm just glad that you're doing well. If you need a place to stay, you are welcome to remain here for a while," she said, her voice warm and inviting.

Touched by her generosity, I felt a lump rise in my throat. "Thank you so much, Agatha. I truly appreciate it "I responded, a wave of thankfulness washing over me.

From that day on, I started living with Agatha, she treated me like her own son.