"I can't live and stay with you!" I turned away sharply, my heart hammering. This woman... she was impossible to figure out. "Why?" I spun back to face her, frustration and confusion bubbling over. "Why not? Think about it- why would I ever choose to live with someone who clearly can't stand me?" I challenged, my voice tight. "I'd rather stay anywhere else, far from-" "No." She cut me off, stepping forward and wrapping her hand firmly around my arm - gentle but unyielding. "Don't go anywhere. Just stay... live here with me." Her voice softened into a quiet plea, so different from the sharp, guarded tone I was used to. My mouth fell open, frozen in disbelief. "W-What?" I stared at her wide-eyed, wondering if I'd heard her right.