The young woman paced the cold streets of Salzburg one evening as she sobbed softly and cradled her six month daughter in her arms whilst she slept against her shoulder, the tears running down her cheeks as she pressed her back up against the wall and closed her eyes for a moment to control herself a little. Maria Rainer was twenty-one years of age and had recently found herself homeless after her husband had thrown her out when she was nine months pregnant. It turned out that he had been committing adultery behind her back for the past couple of months, and that was why he had been returning in the early hours of the morning. She had given birth alone on the streets six months ago as the rain hammered down around her and she had been sobbing in agony, nobody stopping to help her or even offer her the slightest comfort. Annaliese had been healthy when she was born which took some of the worry off of Maria's shoulders, but she feared that with winter quickly approaching she would soon become sick. A clap of thunder sounded which shocked Annaliese awake and she began to scream against her mother's shoulder as Maria tried to comfort her, but it was no use. 'Miss?' She gave a gentle gasp when a soft voice could be heard from a short distance away, and she turned around, shocked to see Captain Von Trapp walking in her direction. No, she had never met him before, but she knew that he was a kind man and a hospitable one at that. 'What on earth are you doing out with your little one in this weather?' He furrowed his brow as he reached her with his umbrella and she let her gaze meet with his as she trembled violently with Annaliese sucking on the fabric of her dress, signalling it was almost time for her feed.

'Captain Von Trapp,' She stammered as he looked down at her with a slightly furrowed brow. 'It's quite a long story, really, Sir,' She looked down with a nervous giggle as she ran her hand slowly up and down her daughter's back. 'Don't let me stop you, I'll be fine,' She turned to walk away from him, but he placed a hand upon her shoulder and turned her back towards him.

'How long have you been out here for?...'

'Maria,' Her voice shook with her body as she shushed softly into Annaliese's soft blonde hair. 'And..it'll be seven months in two weeks time,'

His eyes widened in shock at her revelation as images of her alone on the dark streets of Salzburg with a baby, when there were thieves, rapists, murderers, and heaven knows who else around that time of year. Not to mention how cold the two of them must have been after being out for so long with nothing to keep them warm in the slightest. 'How did you get into this position, Maria?' He asked kindly as he kept his hand comfortingly upon her shoulder, her soft tears beginning to fall again as she looked up at him. 'If you don't find my question too impertinent,' She shook her head as she allowed a small smile to appear on her face, considering he was the first person to show the slightest bit of humanity towards her.

'My husband had been unfaithful to me behind my back throughout my pregnancy, and when I found out about the things he had done he made me leave home when I was nine months pregnant with Annaliese. I gave birth to her on the streets back in February, at the back of Nonnberg Abbey. I was too ashamed and terrified to go in and ask the sisters for assistance or shelter, so I ran as far away as possible and spend that night between the bins at the back of the Tomaselli cafe. Thankfully, the owner was kind enough to allow me to have the leftovers from what the cafe hadn't been able to sell that afternoon after I had explained what had happened. He wished me luck, but didn't ask me inside. I'm just so cold and hungry, but I find I'm more worried about Annaliese's welfare than my own,' He sighed at the emptiness and fear in her voice.

'Forgive me for saying this, Maria, but you're honestly just skin and bone,' He pointed out with a furrowed brow. 'How would you like to spend a few nights at my villa? You won't have to pay for your stay there, and you'll be well looked after until you find your feet, I assure you. I do have seven children of my own, but they aren't too much trouble, really,' Her heart skipped a beat at his offer, and she felt a connection between the two of them. 'I'm sorry if my offer sounds a little awkward, but-'

'No,' She reassured him. 'I'm sorry that I hesitated for so long, I just, I wouldn't want to impose on you,' She admitted. 'I don't want you to feel as though you're inclined to take me in, Captain. I can make it on the streets for a few more months I suppose, and something might turn up. I, I don't want to be a burden on you,' Now he was the one to shake his head with a kind and warm smile.

'You would only be a burden on me if you refused my offer, Maria,' He told her as he moved closer to hold his umbrella over both of their heads. 'If you refuse then I'm only going to be sitting at home hating myself for not demanding that you spend a few days at my home. I can't allow you to stay on the streets now I know your story, it wouldn't be right. Please,' He gently took her fingertips, her breath hitching softly as their eyes met once again. 'Please accept my offer and come back with me?' She nodded slowly as she readjusted Annaliese in her arms and kissed the side of her head lightly.

'I will,' She reassured him. 'But only if you're sure, Captain, and only until I find my feet. I wouldn't like to outstay my welcome,' He chuckled gently at her kindness despite everything that had happened to her over the past few months, and began to lead her down the street towards his car. Once they reached it he opened the passenger side door and allowed her to step in with Annaliese, his heart hurting as he watched her reaction when the warmth of the car overtook her. He could tell she hadn't been accustomed with the feeling for quite some time now. He made his way around to the drivers side and got into the car next to her, giving her a gentle smile as she held Annaliese close to her and the young infant nuzzled further into her damp dress with a soft whimper.

He then started the car and drove in the direction of the villa as he and Maria discussed arrangements with one another, Annaliese beginning to wake against her chest when they reached the front gates. Maria took one look at the large house and felt a little overwhelmed, but one look at the Captain made her feel a little more comfortable with the idea of staying in such a prominent household. She knew that her problems weren't over, not by a long shot, but she also knew another thing. It was definitely a step in the right direction.