Shameless! Ungrateful pig! screamed her mother at her daughter, Emily, the moment she caught sight of her. The gentle swell of Emilys stomach, evidence of her pregnancy, did nothing to dampen her mothers furyinstead, it seemed only to fuel it. Get out of this house and never come back! I dont want to ever see you again!
Her mother wasnt bluffing; she truly kicked Emily out. It was not the first time shed been sent out, usually for smaller mistakes, but this timepregnant and vulnerableher mother made it clear the door was shut for good unless Emily sorted all this mess herself.
Tears streaming down her face and clutching a tiny suitcase, Emily trudged her way to her boyfriend, Michael. To her utter despair, she discovered that Michael hadnt even told his parents about the pregnancy. When she arrived, Michaels mother eyed her suspiciously, immediately asking whether it was too late to do anything about it. Of course, it was far too late; Emilys pregnancy was obvious.
Emily, wracked with panic and desperation, no longer resisted what just a month ago would have seemed unthinkable. She would do anything for someone to help her, no matter what the future held.
My son isnt ready to be a father, Michaels mother declared firmly. Hes too young, and youll ruin his life. Of course, well help as much as we can, but for now, Ive arranged for you to go to a womens shelter nearby. Its for girls like youyoung and pregnant, with nowhere to go.
At the centre, Emily was given a small room and, for the first time in months, was able to rest and breathe. No one shouted. Instead, she was cared for physically and emotionally, the staff gently preparing her for motherhood, and even a psychologist met with her often.
The day her baby was bornher tiny daughter placed in her armspanic once again gripped Emily. She was terrified. But as she slowly composed herself, she studied the delicate little creature and realised, with awe, that this tiny girl was hersa miracle wrapped in a blanket.
With Christmas fast approaching, rather than joy, Emily received the news that her time at the centre was ending. There was a waiting list, and she had to find somewhere to go.
Sitting alone in her tiny room with little Sophie, just a month old, Emily agonized over her next steps. How would she look after them both? Where would they sleep? Her own mother had turned her away, refusing even to see her granddaughter, erasing them both completely from her life.
Well, my darling, Emily whispered, cradling her daughter, what a sad Christmas Eve were having. Shed always loved Christmas, had fond memories of carolling through the neighbourhood, singing with other children, and proudly earning a few pounds each time. She longed for that feeling againthe warmth, the company, the sense of belonging.
Why not, after all? she thought suddenly. Sophie is quiet; I can bundle her close to me, and well spread a little holiday cheer. Either people welcome us or they dont; so be it.
The next day, determined, Emily chose a quiet residential street for her carolling. As she suspected, many people hesitated at the sight of a young mother at their doorsteptradition expected young boys or choirs, not someone like her. But still, now and then someone let her in, and Emily sang beautifully, pouring her whole heart into every carol. The homeowners often gave her not only money but Christmas treats as well, with even greater generosity when they saw her infant. It was clear that only desperate circumstances could bring a woman with a baby to their doors, and people seemed to understand.
Still, walking from house to house was hard work. Just that big house at the end, and well call it a day, Emily thought, feeling the reassuring weight of coins in her pocket.
She was invited inside by the owner, and as she began to sing, the mans behaviour surprised her. He stared at her, transfixed, then looked at Sophie; his face went pale, and he sat down heavily on the sofa.
Elizabeth? he whispered.
Im sorry No, Im Emily. You must have mistaken me for someone else.
Emily but you look so much like my wife did, he said weakly. And the baby is she a girl?
Yes, Emily replied.
I had a daughter, too they both passed away. Car accident. Only a week ago I dreamt they both came back to me. And now, here you are Could it be possible?
Emily hesitated. I I really dont know what to say.
Please, come in. Dont be shy. Tell me your story, please
Emily was uneasy at first; the stranger seemed so emotional, almost unbalanced. But she realised she had nowhere else to go. Inside his spacious but lonely home, she noticed on the wall a picture of a woman and childthe resemblance to herself was undeniable.
Once she began talking, Emily couldnt stop. She spilled out her whole life story, every detail, every hardship. At last, someone listenedtruly listened. The man hung on every word, occasionally looking over at Sophie, who slept contentedly, a smile lingering on her lips. Perhaps even she could sense a feeling of homea home soon to become their own.
Sometimes the end of one story is just the beginning of another. By daring to keep hope alive, Emily discovered that kindness can be found in the most unexpected of places, and that even in her lowest moments, she wasnt as alone as she thought. The kindness of strangers can light the way towards a new family, and a new life.
