HOMELESS
Emma had nowhere left to turn. Quite literally, nowhere I suppose I could spend a couple of nights at the train station. But what then? Suddenly, a desperate spark flickered in her mind: The cottage! How could I forget? Although calling it a cottage is a bit much. More a half-collapsed shack, really. Still, better to head there than sleep at the station, Emma reasoned.
She boarded the regional train, pressing her forehead against the cold glass window and shutting her eyes. Waves of painful memories washed over her. Two years ago, she’d lost her parentsleft utterly alone, with no support at all. She couldn’t afford her studies, so shed been forced to leave university and start working at the local market.
After all she’d endured, a stroke of luck found Emma. She met her love, Daniela kind-hearted, respectable man. Two months later, the young couple held a modest wedding, nothing fancy.
It seemed as though happiness was finally within reach But life had another test in store. Daniel persuaded his wife to sell her parents’ flat in the city centre, promising they’d open their own business together.
He painted such a vivid picture of their future, Emma couldnt doubt him. She believed her husband was making the right choices and that soon their little family would leave their financial troubles far behind. Once were settled, we can think about having a baby. I want so badly to be a mother! she dreamed.
But the business failed. Arguments about wasted money became the soundtrack to their lives, and soon their relationship unraveled. Before long, Daniel brought another woman home and pointed Emma towards the door.
Her first urge was to call the police, but she realised she had no case against him. It was she who had sold the flatand handed every penny to Daniel…
***
Stepping down onto the station platform, Emma wandered alone along the deserted path. Early spring lingered in the air; the cottage season hadnt started. After three years, the plot was overgrown and in a pitiful state. No matter. Ill tidy things up, and itll be as before, she thought, though deep down she knew it’d never be the same again.
She found the key easily enoughit was still under the porchonly the wooden door had sagged and refused to open. She tried with all her strength, struggling with it, but it wouldnt budge. Overwhelmed, Emma sank onto the steps and began to cry.
Suddenly, she noticed smoke and heard noise from the neighbouring plot. Relieved, she hurried toward the sound.
Auntie Rose, are you here? she called.
Instead, an elderly, unkempt man stood in the garden, caught Emma off guard. Hed made a small fire and was heating water in a filthy mug.
Who are you? Wheres Auntie Rose? Emma asked, cautiously stepping back.
Dont be frightened. Please, dont call the police. Im not harming anyone. I dont enter the housejust live here in the garden
His voice, surprisingly, was gentleeducatedan unexpected baritone, like those of learned men.
Are you homeless? Emma blurted.
Yes. Youre right, he replied quietly, averting his gaze. Do you live next door? Dont worry, I wont trouble you.
Whats your name?
Michael.
And your surname? Emma pressed.
Surname? the old man was taken aback. Smith. Michael Smith.
Emma studied Michael Smith. His clothes were worn but surprisingly tidy, and he himself was reasonably well-kept.
I dont know who else I can turn to she sighed.
Whats happened? Michael asked, concern in his voice.
The door Its stuck and I cant open it.
If you dont mind, I can take a look, volunteered the homeless man.
Id appreciate it! she said desperately.
While Michael wrestled with the door, Emma sat on a bench, pondering her brief acquaintance. Who am I to sneer or judge? Im essentially homeless too our situations arent so different.
Emma, its fixed! Michael Smith smiled, pushing the door open. Wait, are you staying here overnight?
Well yes, where else? Emma replied.
Is there heating?
There should be a stove Emma faltered, realising she knew nothing about such things.
I see. And firewood? he asked.
I have no idea, she muttered.
All right, let me sort something out, Michael said firmly, disappearing from the garden.
Emma spent the next hour cleaning. The house was chilly, damp, and unwelcoming. Apprehension settled in her chesthow could she possibly live here? But soon, Michael Smith returned, carrying firewood. Unexpectedly, Emma was glad to have even one other living soul nearby.
He cleaned out the stove a bit, then lit it. Within an hour, warmth filled the little house.
There you go! The stoves working well. Keep adding a bit of wood, but at night, let it die down. Dont worrytherell be warmth until morning, Michael explained.
And where will you go? To the neighbours? Emma wondered aloud.
Yes. Dont judge too harshly. Ill stay in their garden for a bit. Dont fancy heading back to the city Too many painful memories.
Michael Smith, wait. Stay for dinner, have some hot tea first. Then you can go, Emma insisted.
The old man didnt argue. He took off his coat and sat near the stove.
Forgive me for prying, Emma began, but you dont seem like a typical homeless person. Why are you living outdoors? Wheres your home, your family?
Michael told her he’d spent his life as a lecturer at university. All his youth devoted to work and science. Old age crept up quietly, and by the time he realised he was utterly alone, it was too late to change things.
A year ago, his niece began visiting. She gently suggested shed help him in his old age, if he left her his flat in his will. Naturally, Michael was pleased and agreed.
Then Sarah, the niece, gained his trust. She proposed selling the flat in the stuffy city and buying a proper house in the countryside, with a big garden and cosy gazebo. Shed already found a great deal, she saidnot expensive at all.
Michael had always dreamed of fresh air and peace, so he agreed without hesitation. After the sale, Sarah suggested opening a bank account so he wouldnt carry large sums of money.
Uncle Michael, sit on the bench while I sort things out inside. Ill take the bag, just in case someones watching us, she said at the bank doors.
Sarah vanished inside, bag in hand. Michael waitedan hour, two, three She never came out. When he entered, the place was empty. There was another exit opposite.
He couldnt believe his own kin would betray him so cruelly. He sat there waiting for Sarah until the next day, then headed to her home. A stranger answered, explaining Sarah had moved out ages ago. Shed sold the flat two years before…
A sad tale Michael sighed heavily. Ive been living on the streets ever since. Still cant accept that I no longer have a home.
Oh, wow! I thought I was the only one My storys not so different, Emma replied, sharing her own misfortune.
Its tough, but Ive lived my life. You? Left university, lost your flat But dont lose hopeevery problem can be solved. Youre young, things will get better, he tried to reassure her.
Enough gloom and doom. Lets eat! Emma smiled.
She watched as Michael devoured the pasta and sausages hungrily, her heart aching for him. He was so clearly alone and helpless.
How frightening it must beto be utterly alone, on the streets, knowing no one needs you, Emma thought.
Emma, I may be able to help you get back into university. Ive left behind good friends there. I reckon you could get a scholarship, Michael said suddenly. Of course, I cant show up to old colleagues like thisbut Ill write a letter to the dean, you meet him. My old mate, Charles. Hell help for sure.
Thank you. Thatd be fantastic! Emma beamed.
Thank you for dinnerand for listening. Id best be off, its getting late, Michael said, standing to go.
Wait. Its not rightyou cant just leave. Emma whispered.
Dont worry. Ive got a warm shelter in the neighbours garden. Ill pop in tomorrow, Michael smiled.
No need to sleep outside. Ive got three bedroomsyou can choose whichever suits. Actually, in truth, Im scared to be alone. That stove terrifies me, I dont know what Im doing with it. Will you stay and keep me safe?
No. I wont abandon you, Michael replied, gravely.
***
Two years passed Emma finished her exams successfully and, looking forward to the summer holidays, travelled home. She still lived in the cottagewell, in student halls most of the time, but she came here for weekends and breaks.
Hello! she called joyfully, hugging granddad Michael.
Emma! My dear girl! Why didnt you ring? I wouldve met you at the station. Well? Did you pass? Michaels face lit up.
Yes! Almost all top marks! Emma boasted. Look, I bought a cake. Put the kettle onwell celebrate!
Emma and Michael Smith drank tea and shared news.
I planted grapes over there, and Ill build a gazebo. Itll be cosy and lovely, Michael explained.
Thats brilliant! Truth is, youre the boss heredo whatever you like. Im only here every so often, Emma laughed.
Michael had changed completely. He was no longer alone. He had a home, a granddaughterEmma. Shed regained her life. Michael Smith had become family to her. Emma was grateful fate had sent her a grandfather who replaced her parents and supported her when she needed it most.
