A question suddenly popped up in Obi's head.

"Hey, can I ask how old you are? I am thirteen."

"I am ten," the girl replied. "I'm turning eleven tomorrow."

"Oh okay."

They continued walking. They were just outside town now, just before dark settled. Then after a few more steps it struck Obi.

"HEY! THAT MEANS YOUR BIRTHDAY IS TOMORROW!"

The girl giggled: "That took you a long time to figure out."

"Are you going to celebrate it?"

"Not really. I don't really have friends; not a lot of other kids live near."

"What about your parents. They will surely do something special right?"

"I'm mostly on my own right now. My parents died when I was young. My grandparents took after me but also died recently."

"I-I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked that."

"No, it's fine. I'm used to it." She looked like she meant it, driving away Obi's short moment of guilt.

"Is there something you'd like for your birthday?"

She looked surprised; her eyes went big.

"I-I don't need need anything! We've only met today, I wouldn't want you to waste any money on me."

"But what if I want to spend my money on you?"

"That's very sweet but you really don't need to!"

The short argument then ended in silence. Neither knew how to continue. And a few monents later, they already arrived at her house. The same building where they first saw each other in the morning.

"My house is here. Thank you for all the fun today."

"You too. I haven't been enjoying myself in such a long time."

Another awkward silence. Obi didn't want to leave her now after all the hours spent together today.

"I.. I guess I can see you tomorrow again. Right?"

She smiled.

"Yeah, sure! I'll be waiting for you."

"Okay. See you later."

"Bye~"

Obi was finally back in his room at the inn. He sat down on the uncomfortable bed and threw his boots in a corner of the room. Dinner would be soon. He looked for his wallet to be able to pay for it, and to pay for another night. He hid it somewhere in one of his bags. He looked around and found it. Looking inside he was shocked by what he saw. He must have miscalculated his balance the past few days. His money wasn't stolen or completely gone or anything; but rather he just barely didn't have enough for another night. He thought he had a lot more still.

"Don't panic.. I need to do something about this…"

Maybe he could work something out with the innkeeper. Maybe he would let him stay another night for a little less money than usual. He decided to at least try. Nervously walking down the stairs, he made his way to the innkeeper, and told hin about the situation.

"I'm sorry kid, but business is business. I can't let you stay her below the normal price, that would be unfair towards the other customers. You'll have to spend a different place to spend the night."

Obi packed his stuff and leaved the inn. Now he was on the street. He woukd have to sleep in a small alley. Or maybe sleep under a tree. How stupid he was! Not having calculated his money correctly. No wait, there was one place where he could maybe spend the night. He was scared to try it, but he had no choice.

Almost breaking down of nerves, having to resort to this kind of final option, he stood in front of the same door where he stood almost an hour ago. The door through which the girl with the red hair had disappeared. The lights were on inside, so she was probably still there. She said she didn't have her parents anymore, so there probably wasn't the problem of having to face other people. The only problem was gathering the courage to knock on the door and ask her. And that problem was becoming worse, because people started to stare at him, as he kept standing there in front of the building. Obi took a very deep breath and proceeded.

Knock knock.

BA-DUM. BA-DUM. His heart pounded so hard suddenly. He couldn't go back anymore now.

The door opened. The same girl he had spent his day with stood in the opening, with a surprised look on her face.

"Hey, it's you again. I thought I wouldn't see you again until at least tomorrow. Did you miss me?" she giggled.

Obi went ahead and straight up asked her.

"Can I spend the night at your house?"

Thank you for all the favorites, follows and positive reviews! It really motivated me, and I might make this story longer than originally planned. I'll try to make the next chapter(s) come out out sooner than it took for this one. Feel also free to PM me with questions or random talk.