“I didn’t forget anything.”
– “You’re visiting your sister at the hospital every day with bags full of stuff,” grumbled Andrew to his wife, Abigail, as she returned once more from her visit and they sat down for dinner.
– “Why does it bother you so much?” Abigail wondered.
– “It’s not really bothering me,” Andrew replied. “I understand she’s your sister. But Emily isn’t seriously ill, and she has plenty of visitors—her husband, her daughter, her son, and daughter-in-law. Why do you have to rush over every single day? Or maybe there’s a charming doctor there you’ve taken a liking to?”
– “What nonsense, Andrew!” Abigail scolded her husband. “That’s quite a stretch, and besides, Emily’s doctor is a woman. So there goes your theory.”
– “Really, Abby, explain it to me. Why do you need to go to the hospital every day after work? You’re up at six, making all sorts of broths and juices, then after work you rush home, pack a bag, and head to see your sister? You’re wearing yourself out—honestly, you look exhausted with those dark circles under your eyes.”
– “Fine, I’ll spill the beans since you won’t let it go,” sighed Abigail as she cleared the table. “Let me make some tea, and we can talk.”
– “Great,” her husband said, pleased to finally get an explanation. “Because honestly, I’m baffled…”
***
Seventeen-year-old Abigail West, fresh out of school, came to London hoping to enroll in a university or college, whichever she could manage. She grew up in a small village with no opportunities for further education, and she had her heart set on becoming a lawyer.
She didn’t pass her university exams but was thrilled to get into a legal college. Returning to the village was not an option for her—she had no intentions of following her mother’s footsteps working as a shop assistant, nor did she want to live there.
Determined to make a life in the city, Abigail planned to study, find a job, and settle down. The village would be for visits and supporting her parents once she got on her feet. She was certain about this future and had big plans.
In school, Abigail dated Will Johnson, a classmate. Unlike her, Will had no desire to leave the village. He went straight to work on the family farm and planned on joining the military, only to return to farm work afterward—a lifestyle that suited him well.
Shocked by such prospects, Abigail ended things with Will, knowing he wasn’t her ideal partner. Will wasn’t too heartbroken and soon married Ilana, who had long admired him, once he turned eighteen.
At college, Abigail moved into a dormitory and adjusted to city life. She was committed to excelling in her studies to secure a better scholarship. Her parents sent her money each month, so she wasn’t too hard-pressed. She couldn’t indulge, but she managed.
One autumn day remains vivid in Abigail’s memory… She was on a crowded bus, coming back from the law library where she had stayed late preparing for a seminar. The bus was packed with people heading home from work.
Squeezing onto the bus, Abigail didn’t want to wait for the next one, which might be just as crowded. After finally disembarking, grateful to escape the crush of bodies, she felt something cold strike her when she noticed her bag had been slashed. Her wallet was gone…
Petty theft was common in the city’s public transport, with pickpockets taking advantage of such situations, and catching the culprits was nearly impossible.
The worst part was she had just received her scholarship and her parents had sent her money recently—all stolen. Normally, she would stash the cash under her mattress, but she hadn’t had a chance.
Only recently, she had spoken to her parents, and her mum mentioned that her dad’s paycheck was delayed, so she needed to be frugal. The next remittance was uncertain.
Devastated would be an understatement; Abigail was overwhelmed with tears, blaming herself for not being cautious. She had heard of similar incidents, including one fellow student who was also a victim recently.
There was no point reporting it to the police. What could she tell them? She had no recollection of the faces around her on the bus, and finding the thief would be like searching for a needle in a haystack.
Her cheap wallet was likely discarded somewhere, and her money long gone… What would she live on now? What would she eat? Her food supplies were just some margarine, a couple of onions, tea, a bit of rice, and pasta. Certainly not enough for a month.
– “Why are you crying?” asked Julie, her roommate, seeing Abigail’s distress.
Abigail recounted her misfortune.
– “Oh dear,” Julie replied. “Tough luck, but you should have been more careful. Who carries all their money? You should’ve clutched your bag tightly or secured the cash in your bra or something. It’s important to be vigilant these days… you’re a bright student, Abby, but a bit of a scatterbrain in real life.”
Abigail knew all this already, and Julie’s words offered no solace. She wasn’t even offended by her roommate’s harsh words; foolish was indeed how she felt at that moment… Yet, there was no rewinding time, and the money couldn’t be recouped. She had to figure out a way to live.
Calling her parents wasn’t an option; the idea of admitting her blunder was mortifying. They were struggling financially with her father’s paycheck delayed, living off her mum’s shop earnings. Besides, they had another daughter, Emily, to care for…
Perhaps she should find a job, Abigail considered. That’s possible, but who pays immediately? She’d have to work at least two weeks to get a paycheck… and new employees probably don’t get advances… What to do? It seemed hopeless…
– “Want me to introduce you to a sugar daddy?” Julie offered suddenly.
– “A what?” Abigail was puzzled.
– “You know, someone rich to look after you in exchange for… you get what I mean, right?”
– “Yes, I understand.”
– “Good that you do. You’ve got the looks, so there’ll be interest for sure… You could live comfortably.”
Julie’s suggestion appalled Abigail. The idea of becoming someone’s mistress in exchange for cash was revolting to her. She was aware her roommate had no qualms about it and thus didn’t struggle financially, but Abigail found the concept repugnant.
– “So, what do you think? Want an introduction?” Julie asked again.
– “No,” Abigail shook her head and then asked quietly, “Julie, could you lend me a bit of money? Just until I get my scholarship. I’m completely skint.”
– “Sorry, can’t do it. I splurged on clothes and makeup, and have just enough for food. But my offer still stands. Think about it. Because when you’re starving, moral dilemmas seem less important.”
Abigail didn’t respond, turning to face the wall, she quietly cried again, drifting off to sleep unknowingly…
