It wasnt about time, at first...

... that would imply you knew what kind of time you already had.

Your mother told you to cross the wood to your father's shop.

She said to count every step, for a Fiend lives between the trees,

and shall ask of you the sum.

If you couldn't handle schooling then you'll learn the numbers.

"You'll learn it the hard way," she said,

"for the path will wind and frighten you, and a single misstep invites the Fiend itself to snatch you away."

No, it wasn't about time at first. Maybe it still isn't...

... but soon every step was an entire revolution around the sun!

... and every memory you never had was a shiny coin! To show, to prove with...

... but when the Fiend found you, you couldn't even prove your name.

They called you "Fare-A-Day," like it was funny.

They called you "but a child," like it was sad.

You told them you don't remember the number they wanted.

...a wing brushed your cheek of tears...

"It's far too soon," they said, "to end now."

"If I'm so young," you wept, "how can I be so old?"