HOMELESS
Emily really had nowhere to go. Like, absolutely nowhere I could spend a couple nights at the train station. But then what? Suddenly, a hopeful idea flashed across her mind: The cottage! How could I forget? Well calling it a cottage is a bit generous. Its more of a ramshackle hut, really, but better to head out there than sleep at the station, she reasoned, half talking to herself.
She hopped onto the commuter train, leaning her head against the cold window, closing her eyes. Heavy memories of the recent past washed over her. Two years ago, her parents had died, leaving her completely on her own without any support. She couldnt afford tuition anymore, so she had to drop out of university and start working at the local market.
After everything she’d been through, fortune finally smiled at Emily, and soon she met Oliverthe kindest, most decent bloke. In a couple of months, they had a small, modest wedding.
Youd think that life would just get brighter But soon enough, life threw another curveball Emilys way. Oliver suggested they sell her parents flat in the city centre to fund a business of their own.
He painted such a beautiful picture of their future that Emily didnt doubt him for a second, completely convinced her husband was doing the right thing and that soon their family would be free from money worries. Once we get settled, maybe we could start thinking about a baby. Id love to be a mum soon! she dreamed, innocently.
But Olivers business plans fell apart. Constant arguments over the wasted money quickly destroyed their relationship. Before long, Oliver brought another girl home and told Emily to pack her things.
Her first thought was to go to the police, but then she realised she couldnt accuse her husband of anythingshed willingly sold the flat and given the proceeds to him
***
As she stepped off at her station, Emily wandered alone along the deserted platform. It was early spring, and no one had started their cottage visits yet. The plot was completely overgrown after three years and looked pretty miserable. Never mind, Ill tidy it up, and things will be back to normal, she thought, though deep down she knew things would never quite be the same.
Emily easily found the key under the porch, but the wooden door had sagged and now wouldn’t budge. She tried her best to force it open, but it was hopeless. Defeated, Emily sat on the steps and burst into tears.
Suddenly, she spotted some smoke drifting up from the neighbouring plot, and heard some noise. Relieved that at least someone was around, Emily hurried over.
Auntie Rose! Are you there? she called.
To her surprise and a bit of fear, she saw a scruffy old man in the yard, stoking a small fire and heating water in a grimy mug.
Who are you? Wheres Auntie Rose? Emily asked, edging back.
Dont be scared, please. And dont call the police. Im not doing anything wrong. I dont go inside, just live here in the garden, he replied.
Despite his appearance, the old mans voice was calm and surprisingly dignifiedlike someone educated.
Are you homeless? Emily blurted out carelessly.
Yes, youre right, the man said softly, avoiding her eyes. Do you live next door? Dont worry, I wont bother you.
Whats your name?
Michael.
And your surname? Emily asked.
Surname? Michael was puzzled. Smith.
Emily took a closer look at Michael Smith. His clothes were old but relatively clean, and he seemed reasonably neat for someone in his position.
I dont even know who to turn to for help, Emily admitted with a sigh.
Whats happened? Michael asked kindly.
The doors stuck I cant open it.
If you like, Ill have a look, the homeless man offered.
Id really appreciate it! Emily replied, desperate.
While Michael tinkered with the door, Emily sat on the bench, thinking about this stranger: Who am I to judge or look down on him? Really, Im homeless myself. Were both on the same boat
Emily, its sorted! Michael smiled, pushing the door open. Hold on, are you planning to sleep here?
Yes, where else can I go? Emily answered, a bit confused.
Is there any heating in the house?
Theres a woodburner, I think Emily admitted, clearly not confident.
I see. And do you have logs? the old man asked.
No idea, Emily said, feeling small.
Alright, head inside. Ill sort something out, Michael said with determination and walked out of the garden.
Emily spent about an hour cleaning. The cottage was freezing, damp, and nowhere near cosy. She was upset, doubting how she could survive here. Before long, Michael appeared with logs, and to her surprise, Emily felt relieved that at least she wasnt entirely alone.
Michael cleared out the woodburner a bit, and soon the room warmed up.
There you go! Itll keep the place warm until morning if you add a bit more wood now and then. But best to let it die down before bed, Michael explained.
Where will you sleep? With the neighbours? Emily wondered.
Yes. Please dont judge too harshly. Ill stay a bit longer in their garden; I dont want to head back to town Dont want to stir up memories, he sighed.
Wait, Michael Smith. Once weve had some dinner and a hot cup of tea, then you can go, Emily insisted.
He didnt argue. He took off his jacket and sat by the fire.
Forgive me for prying Emily began. You just dont seem like the typical homeless person. Why are you living outdoors? Wheres your family?
Michael explained that hed spent his whole life teaching at university and was obsessed with science. Old age crept up unnoticed. When he finally realised he was entirely alone, it was too late for changes.
About a year ago, his niece started visiting. She hinted shed help him more if he left her his flat in his will. Naturally, Michael was delighted and agreed.
Soon, his niece convinced him to sell the flat in their stuffy neighbourhood and buy a lovely house out in the suburbscomplete with a big garden and a cosy gazebo. Shed already spotted the perfect place: good value, too.
Michael had always dreamed of fresh air and peace, so he eagerly agreed. After selling, his niece suggested opening a bank account for the money rather than carrying so much cash.
Uncle Mike, sit on the bench while I sort out the account. Let me take the bag, just in casewe never know who might be watching, she said as they entered the bank.
His niece went inside with the bag, and Michael waited One hour, two, three, but she never came back. When he finally entered the bank, he found the lobby empty and another door leading out the back.
Michael couldnt believe his own blood could betray him so cruelly. He sat on that bench waiting for her. The next day, he went to her home. A strange woman answered the door and explained his niece had sold the flat two years ago and didnt live there anymore.
Not the happiest tale, Michael sighed. Since then, Ive ended up living outside. Still cant believe I dont have a home anymore.
Yeah. I thought I was the only one My story is pretty similar, Emily said, sharing her own troubles.
Its all pretty grim. But at least Ive lived my life While youve left uni, lost your flat Dont lose heart, though. Every problem has a solution. Youre young. Things will get better for you, the old man tried to reassure her.
Lets not dwell on sad stuff. Lets have dinner! Emily smiled.
She watched as Michael tucked into pasta and sausages, and she felt a deep pity for him. It was obvious he was desperately lonely and helpless.
Its terrifying to end up all alone, on the street, realising nobody cares, Emily thought.
Emily, I could help you get back into university. I still have friends there. Im sure you could study on a scholarship, Michael said unexpectedly. I cant show up looking like this, but Ill write a letter to the chancellor, and you can meet him. His names Andrewhes always been a good mate. Im sure hell help.
Thank you, that would be wonderful! Emily was over the moon.
Thanks for dinner, and for listening. Ill head off nowits getting late, Michael said, getting up.
Waitthats not right. Where will you go? Emily murmured.
Dont worry. Ive got a snug little shelter on the next plot. Ill pop round tomorrow, he smiled.
No need to sleep outdoors. There are three spacious rooms here. Take your pick. Honestly, Im scared to stay alone. I dont understand this woodburner at all. You wont leave me in trouble, will you?
No, I wont, Michael said seriously.
***
Two years passed Emily aced her exams, and on the eve of summer break, she headed home. She still used the cottage, though she stayed in student halls most days, visiting for weekends and holidays.
Hello! she shouted happily, hugging Grandpa Mike.
Emily! My dear girl! Why didnt you call? I couldve met you at the station. So? Did you pass? Michael asked excitedly.
Yes! Nearly all top marks! Emily boasted. Look, I bought cake. Put the kettle onlets celebrate!
Emily and Michael shared tea and swapped stories.
I planted grapes. Over there, Ill build a gazeboitll be so comfy and nice, Michael told her.
Thats brilliant! Really, youre the boss here, do whatever you like. I just pop in and out, Emily laughed.
Michael had completely changed. He wasnt lonely anymore. He had a home, a granddaughterEmily. Emily herself had come back to life. Michael Smith had become her family, and she was grateful fate had sent her Grandpa Mike, who stepped in for her parents and supported her when she needed it most.
