Civil Strife! Conflict broke out during your youth causing social upheaval, your family was involved in the conflict (Work with your DM to detirmine your families involvement)
Pickpocket: During your adolescence your family fell on hard times forcing you to turn to petty theft and other criminal activities involving you with criminal organisations.
In a dark alley at night, you are attacked by thugs. Before they can take anything, they turn white with terror and run away. You discover that you have a guardian ghost, a wise, benign spirit who accompanies you (work with your DM to determine details)