Percy was lost in thought for the remainder of the day. He taught from a PowerPoint and walked home in a daze. He ate dinner, but he didn't actually taste it. He washed dishes and walked to the living room on autopilot. He was offered a drink, and he sipped it without knowing what it was. He sat in his chair at night, replaying the conversation in his head. Something was touching him.

"Percy!"

He was snapped to attention.

Annabeth was in front of him, with her hands on his neck. She looked concerned.

"Hi," he said, like an idiot.

"There's an empty space in bed where my husband is supposed to be," she frowned. "What's the matter with you? Are you sick?"

He blinked. "No," he shook his head. "No. I'm just thinking."

She climbed into his lap. "What could you be thinking about that would make you check out all day?" She read his expression like she always does. "Is it something to do with school?"

He honestly didn't know if he should tell her, but he couldn't lie, and he didn't want to shut her down.

"I don't think we can go to New York this year," he began.

She looked shocked, then indignant. "Percy, we go every year! We plan our vacations around it! You said you wanted-"

"My, uh," it was difficult to put into words, but he forced himself to spit it out. "One of my students is homeless."

The look of anger fell away and she became solemn as he explained the entire situation. "What are you going to do about it? You know you need to report it."

"She doesn't want that," he rubbed his temples. "I don't want to unless it's absolutely necessary."

"It is necessary! You're not supposed to be her friend, you're supposed to be her teacher!" She protested. "It's a child on the streets! And you're endangering her and your job if you don't report it!"

"Don't you think I know that?" His eyes stung. "But there could be a very good reason for her not wanting it. I don't know what's going on in her life, but she has no one to take her in."

"And there's nothing you can do about that," Annabeth took his hand and kissed it. "What do we accomplish by staying here?"

"I can check up on her during winter. I can give her food or medicine," he pondered.

"How could you find her over break if you don't know where she is? It's not like you can look up her address."

He didn't think of that. And asking her would just be weird for several reasons. And if there was proof that he knew about it and stayed silent, he could really lose his job.

"I dunno," he admitted.

"You're so sweet," Annabeth chuckled and kissed him on the forehead. "Here's what you could do: you could get her a coat or a nice blanket and some canned food. Something that won't expire. We'll be tight on money until Christmas, but that's okay. Bring it to her gradually and discretely so it won't look suspicious. She can get water from a public fountain. She'll be alright until we get back."

What an amazing idea. Gods, Annabeth was so awesome. Percy was elated.

"I didn't even think of that!" He hugged her close and kissed her for a long time. He only pulled away when he couldn't stop smiling. "Thank you, that's great!"

"Uh, you're welcome," her face was flushed. She hopped off of his lap and started massaging his shoulders. "Why don't you come to bed, now?"

"Yeah," he stood up. "Lemme go change, first."

"I'll wait," she climbed into bed and curled up with her book. Now that she had her glasses, she was binge reading in intervals.

The next morning, he scheduled another meeting with Cindy.

"Wha'you wanna talk about?" She accepted cookie offered to her and ate it in pieces, pulling it apart with her fingers. She looked at it and frowned. "This is so good, but why is it blue?"

Percy smiled and waved a dismissive hand. "It's just something we like to do. I have more if you want."

"Please?"

Percy handed her two more.

"Thank you," she only nibbled on one, and put the rest in her jacket pocket. Odd. Maybe she was saving it.

"Well, anyway," he folded his hands. "I have a plan to swing by you. Ready?"

He told her the plan in detail and she listened.

"So what do you think?"

She looked shocked and cleared her throat. "I can't ask you to do that. You're gonna have a baby."

"It's alright-" he began.

"No, it's not!" Her eyes were wet. "I can't pay you back!"

"You don't have to!" He promised. "Just let me help you!"

"I can't!" Now she was angry. She stood up shakily. "I can't let you do that. Thank you, but I'm sorry. I just can't."

"I want to help you," his voice trailed off.

"WHY ARE YOU BEING NICE TO ME?" Tears rolled down her cheeks.

"Please," Percy hissed. "Lower your voice!"

"I DON'T UNDERSTAND," she wiped her eyes and walked out of the room. He winced as the door slammed. He hoped she hadn't gotten herself in trouble.

There was nothing he could do. He knew he couldn't give her help if she wouldn't accept it. But he didn't want to turn her in. Not yet.

Why didn't she want to be reported so badly? It wasn't just pride. What was she hiding? Did it have something to do with her mother?

Perhaps she would want his help eventually. Until then, he would wait and keep a sharp eye on her.