Imagine having to escape being caught, everyday of your life. Running from authority, even when you did nothing wrong. Living on the streets, living on whatever you could find. Taking refuge in places that brought you in. That's the way of life for young Eren Jaeger. He only had one real home, but that was 10 years ago. Living on the streets taught him how the real world works. A cruel place where people hate outsiders.
"Get back here you little brat!" An officer yelled, chasing after Eren,
Eren didn't breathe any different then he always did, probably because this is like his job. Steal, run, take refuge and repeat. Never once did he get caught, never once does he expect to. Taking a sharp left before the cop could see him, Eren dove into a dumpster. Ignoring the slimy garbage inside he shortened his breathe and stopped all movement. He heard the officers nearby yelling out to him, but he never once looked out. After 10 minutes the officers were muffles out and soon gone. He quickly and carefully moved out of his spot and climbed a ladder to the roof of a building.
"Damn this place." He murmured as he climbed.
Ending his ascend to the roof he stand on top. Congratulating himself in another successful hunt. Maybe this time someone would keep him for more than a few hours. Quickly and carefully he ran over the roof, using beams to get between buildings. Coming to a ladder on the other side of the block he scouted the area for cops before descending. Jumping off the ladder he began his trek to find his home for the night. Trudging through the dim streets he searched for a place to take shelter, even if it wasn't someone's home. All his life he was in search of the one face he could remember. The most dull face he ever saw, he would never mistake anyone for him. He wouldn't imagine ever doing so.
"Hey little boy!" A women's voice rang in his ears.
Eren turned around to look at the voice's owner. A small old women stood in her doorway.
"I have some spare food and a warm bed, would you like to join me for this night?" She states.
Eren nods and runs toward her. He nods to her as she leads him inside.
"I've seen you around before. Do you now have a home?"
He shakes his head in fake pity, wanting an extra night in this inviting place.
She nods her head, "Stay here another night then. I have no one else to share my food with, nor does anyone ever occupy the extra bed."
"Thank you so much ma'am." Eren states.
He spends the night talking to this nice old women before she leads him to a small room under the stairs.
She unlocks the door, "There is a bed, lamp and table in there. I hope its okay. Its all I have for you."
"Its alright. I'm not picky." He states before crawling in.
"I finally realize where I saw you. Your the boy who is constantly on the move. I'll lock the door just in case. When the door is locked I can out a panel over it to protect the door seams. Your secret is safe with me." She says smiling.
Eren watches as he is blocked from light till morning, or whenever he will be let out. Turning on the lamp he puts his backpack on the small table and sits on the bed. Feeling the softness of the bed it reminds him of the life he once had. No need to run from police, no need to steal, no need to take shelter and risk other people's lives. A few words always rang in his mind whenever he felt down, "Promise me you will find me again. No matter what happens, we will somehow be with each other again."
A single tear fell down his cheek. Quickly wiping it off Eren went under the covers and turned off the lamp. He lifted the blankets over his head and let sleep wash over him.
"No sir. No boy has come knocking on my door."
"Are you positive? Do you mind if we have a search?"
"Of course and I'm. But if you insist go on ahead."
At this Eren's eyes shot open. He shortened his breath and sat up slowly. He dared to move in fear of what would happen. He heard loud footsteps near the door, fingers running over the steams. That weren't there due to the panel.
"Theres no way any old women could be smart enough to hide a boy in her house." The officer murmured.
Eren listened as the footsteps grew fainter.
"Thank you ma'am. I didn't find anything suspicious. Just call the station if you see him anywhere."
"Of course sir."
The door closes and he hears the seam guards pop off. Eren turns off the lamp before the door opened so he could adjust quickly. He sees the woman's smiling face and he steps out. He follows her into the kitchen where she had breakfast made and he sat down.
"I hope you don't mind sausage." She says with a smile.
Eren shakes his head and a plate is placed before him. He quickly finishes and asks where the shower is.
"Up the stairs and too the right. I can get you some new clothes as well as a quick haircut."
He thanks the woman and runs up to the shower. Undressing himself and turning on the water, he steps in and finally feels at home. After his shower, Eren puts back on his old clothes and walks back down the stairs.
He's greeted by the smiling face of the old woman, "Have a nice shower?"
"Very nice, thank you." Eren replied.
She hands him a pair of new clothes that looked like they might fit, seeing as he is thin. Walking to his temporary home under the stairs, Eren changed into the clothes and smiled contently. Stepping out of the small room he stands up tall. Reaching back in to grab his bag he closes the door.
"Thank you so much ma'am but I need to get going." Eren states.
The small old woman gets a sorrowful look on her face, "Already. Is there something you need to do?"
All Eren could do was nod, without causing himself to burst. In all honesty he didn't want to tell her the reason he was leaving. He just couldn't bear it.
"Alright I understand. If you ever need anything feel free to come back here."
He shakes his head, "When I find who I'm searching for. I wont be alone anymore."
