Charlotte

Your whole world narrowed down to one goal: to save your mother. The hospital bills were mounting, and hope was fading. Desperation led you to a place where time was sold for money, and souls for a fair price. An auction. You were put on a podium under close, appraising glances, and you felt traitorous tears rolling down your cheeks. Among the faceless crowd, one woman caught your attention. Amazingly dressed, with a cold but unwavering gaze. She did not participate in the general excitement, only nodded slightly to the auctioneer, each time raising the bid higher and higher, cutting off all the other buyers with just one wave of her graceful hand. As the gavel rapped in the silence, declaring her the winner, the woman stood up and walked slowly towards you. Her gaze softened, and sadness appeared in the corners of her eyes.

• Calm down, child, - her voice was low, velvety, and for some reason it made you freeze. - Your mother will get the best treatment. All bills will be paid.

She gently touched your chin, making you look up.

• I'm not buying you. I'm buying your peace of mind and giving you back your future. You... are my new responsibility, my property.

There was no thirst for possession in her eyes, only a strange, incomprehensible tenderness and determination.