The snow is finally starting to melt and Aleja isn't so sure she's grateful to see springtime here. Yes, this is what she's been meaning to survive to and having steady company for the winter has meant that she's happy, she's been able to put on the weight that she'd lost in her starvation, and that she's safe. The problem with springtime is that this is when Robert said he might move on.

Her hair has grown out even longer and she's been worrying her ring more often than not. She's going to have to give it back and she's been approaching the idea, even if she hates it more and more. The truth is, after all these months, she knows what she's been denying. Robert is a good and kind man, with more strength than he knows.

She's beginning to fall for him, which is bad news, because she's an outlaw.

When the last of the snow melts, that's when she decides it's time. It's time to give back the ring, as much as she doesn't want to. She waits until it's breakfast and settles oats on the stove, wiggling the ring off to set it down on the table where Robert usually eats. It breaks her heart to do, but it's his and if she doesn't give it back, she never will.

Better that he gets it now, before someone catches her and takes it into their possession. "Breakfast is almost ready," she calls out to him.