Left All Alone
It was already getting dark outside, but Mum still wasnt home. Emily rolled the wheels of her wheelchair to the table, picked up the phone, and dialled her mums mobile.
The number you are dialling is switched off or out of range, an unfamiliar voice intoned down the line.
Emily stared in confusion at the phone, then, remembering she barely had any credit left, she switched it off.
Mum had gone to the shop and still hadnt come back. That had never happened beforeMum was never gone long, especially since her daughter couldnt walk and only got around in her wheelchair. There were no other family members, just the two of them.
Emily was already seven and wasnt scared of being home alone, but Mum always told her where she was going and when shed be back. Emily just didnt know what to think:
She went to the large supermarket today, because things are cheaper there. We often went together, Mum and me. Its called the far shop, but it isnt really that far awaya person can go there and back in an hour, she thought, glancing at the clock. Its been four hours already. And Im hungry.
She steered her chair towards the kitchen. She boiled the kettle and took a leftover meat pie out of the fridge, had a bite to eat, and drank her tea.
But still, there was no sign of Mum. Emily couldnt hold out any longershe took the phone and dialled again.
The number you are dialling is switched off or out of range. The voice echoed back.
Clambering onto her bed, Emily tucked the phone under her pillow, leaving the light onsomehow, it felt easier to brave the night that way. She lay there for ages, but eventually she fell asleep.
***
She awoke to sunlight peeking through the window. Mums bed was made, untouched.
Mum! she called, her voice trembling down the hallway.
No response. She dialled again, and got the same cold, metallic message. Fear gripped her. Tears pricked her eyes and soon she was sobbing.
***
Christopher was just on his way back from the bakery. Every morning, Mum made breakfast and he fetched fresh pastries from the little café on the corner.
He was thirty already, still single. Women just didnt see himtoo thin, too pale, never healthy. Hed always needed expensive medical treatment. Mum brought him up alone. The last diagnosis, when he was an adult, had shattered him: he wouldnt be able to have children. Hed come to terms with the thought of never marrying.
As he walked, something glimmered in the grass: an old smashed phone, clearly run over by a car. Christophers life was phones and computershis job and his hobby. Although his own were cutting-edge, curiosity got the better of him. He picked it up, slipped it into his pocket, and thought, Something might have happened Ill sort it out at home.
***
After breakfast, Christopher fished the battered phone out and put its SIM card in one of his own devices. Most contacts were from the NHS, the Jobcentre, and similar bodies, but at the top was daughter.
He hesitated, then rang the number.
Mum! a little girls voice cried out, delighted.
Im not your mum, Christopher replied, a little uncertain.
Wheres Mum, then?
I dont know I found this broken phone, changed the SIM, just called the number.
My mum is missing! she cried, her voice breaking. She went to the shop yesterday and hasnt come back.
Dont you have a dad? Or a grandmother?
No. Only Mum.
Whats your name? Christopher could tell the child needed help.
Emily.
Im Uncle Chris. Emily, can you leave your flat and tell the neighbours youre alone?
I cantmy legs dont work. And next-doors empty.
Christopher was stunned. Your legs?
I was born like this. Mum says one day well save up the money for an operation.
How do you get about?
My wheelchair.
Emily, do you know your address?
Yes17 Churchill Road, Flat 4.
All right, Ill come to you. Well find your mum.
He hung up.
His mother came in.
Chris, whats wrong? she asked.
Mum, I found a broken phone, swapped the SIM, rang the top number. Theres a little girl on her own, disabled, no relatives. Ive got her address. Im going to check on her.
Im coming too, she replied without hesitation, beginning to gather her things.
Christophers mother had raised him alone, often in hospital corridors. She knew what it was like to be a single mum with a poorly child. Now she was retired, though Chris had a good job. They called a taxi and hurried to rescue the child.
***
They buzzed at the intercom.
Whos there? came a small, sad voice.
Emily, its me, Chris.
Come in!
They entered the block of flats. The door to Emilys home was already ajar.
Inside, a thin girl in a wheelchair gazed up at them with sad eyes.
Will you find my mummy?
Whats your mums name? Chris asked immediately.
Sarah.
And her surname?
Walker.
Wait, Chris, his mother said, addressing the girl gently, Emily, are you hungry?
Yes. There was a pie in the fridge, but I ate it yesterday.
Chris, pop to our usual shop and buy what we normally get.
Will do! He dashed out.
***
By the time he returned, his mum had rustled up something in the kitchen. They quickly unpacked the shopping and laid out food.
Once theyd eaten, Chris got to work searching for Sarah. He opened the local website for news and scrolled through yesterdays incidents.
There we go On Park Avenue, a Ford Focus struck a woman. The victim was taken to hospital in serious condition.
He called the nearest hospital. After the third try, someone picked up.
Yes, a woman was brought in from Park Avenue last night. Her condition is critical. She hasnt been conscious yet.
Whats her name?
No identification or phone was found with her. Are you a relative?
Well Im not sure yet.
Come to the admissions desk, well talk.
Ill do that.
He turned to Emily.
Do you have a photo of your mum?
Yes, she wheeled over to a drawer, took out a photo album, and pointed at a recent picture.
Your mums very beautiful, Chris said, snapping a photo of it on his phone and giving her a warm smile.
Im off to find your mum.
***
Sarah opened her eyes. White ceiling. Slowly, her memory drifted backa speeding car, a flash of metal.
She tried to move, pain shooting through her body. A nurse leaned over and murmured, Youre awake?
Suddenly, terror filled Sarahs eyes.
How long have I been here? she asked.
Two days.
My daughter is home alone!
Dont worry! the nurse soothed, laying a gentle hand on Sarahs shoulder. A young man came looking yesterdayleft you his phone. He said your mobile was found run over by a car.
I need to call
Give me a moment. The nurse found the Daughter contact and held the phone to Sarahs ear.
Mum!
Emily, darling, are you all right?
Im fine! Granny Nina is with me, and Uncle Chris visits.
Uncle Chris?
Dont upset yourself! the doctor said, coming in. Or Ill take your phone away. I need to examine you.
Ill ring back soon, Sarah promised before handing over the phone. The doctor finished his checks, ordered a drip, and left.
May I ring my daughter, just for a moment? Sarah whispered.
Doctor said no stress, the nurse replied, but dialled the number anyway.
My love
Sarah, its Nina Walker, came a warm, unfamiliar voice. Please, let me explain. My son found your broken phone and, using the SIM, tracked down your daughter and you. Im a pensioner, but while youre in hospital, Ill look after Emily. Dont worry!
She handed the phone to Emily.
Mum, just get better, please! Well wait for you!
Listen to Granny Nina, darling! Sarah begged, clinging to the reassurance.
Phone off! the nurse quietly insisted.
***
The next day, Sarah was moved to a general ward. That evening, during visiting hours, a thin, awkward man entered.
Hello, Sarah. Im Chris, he smiled gently. Come to visit. Hope you dont mind if I speak informally?
Not at all.
He placed a big bag on her bedside table.
Some things, from my mum.
I dont even know who you are! Sarah said, overwhelmed.
I found your smashed phone and managed to call your daughter. Then I tracked you down.
Hows Emily?
One moment.
Chris picked up the phone hed left on his first visit, pressed a few buttons.
There you go.
Sarah looked at the screen. Emily smiled back at her.
Mum! Are you all right?
Im already better, love. And you?
Granny Nina comes to see me.
Sarah and her daughter talked for a long time. Chris waited, patiently silent. When Sarah finished, she looked at him with gratitude.
I owe you and your mum so much.
Oh, dont say that! Chris brushed it off with a smile. Lets be on first-name terms, all right?
Thank you, Chris.
Shall I show you how this phone works now?
***
Two weeks passed.
The driver whod hit Sarah came to the hospital with his solicitor and gave her £6,000 in compensation.
She was discharged the next day, and Chris picked her up to bring her home.
Mum! Emily squealed, almost leaping out of her chair.
Sarah knelt and hugged her tightly, tears streaming down her face.
Then she turned to the older woman.
Thank you, Nina Walker, I can never thank you enough.
Oh, dont mention it, Sarah! Emily feels like a granddaughter to me now.
Ive received some compensation; please Sarah opened her bag and tried to hand over some cash.
No, you keep it! Nina said firmly. We wont go hungry, and you need every penny for Emilys treatment. Chris has already found a clinic.
Mum! Emily piped up, her face beaming. Uncle Chris said were going to the hospital soon so they can help me walk!
***
Sarah and her daughter spent two weeks at the clinic. Emily had rods fitted in her legs. There would be another trip there in three months and again the year after. After three years, with several procedures and lots of physio, they promised Emily would walk.
But for now, she still used her chair and struggled with the discomfort of the metal rods.
Then fate struck again. Granny Nina suffered a heart attack and was admitted to hospital.
Sarah spent three nights by her bedside. During the days, she hurried home to cook and rest a little. At night, only Chris stayed with Emily.
On the fourth day, Nina finally woke up fully. Her eyes rested on Sarah, and she said quietly,
My dear, I dont have much time left. You should marry my Chris. Hes dependable. Together, youll get Emily back on her feet.
Do you think hed want me? Sarah asked, surprised.
He will! Nina smiled. He absolutely will.
***
A silver-haired lady held the hand of a tall girl with a satchel and bouquet. If not for her height, youd think she was starting school for the very first time.
In fact, she wasEmily was off to school in Year Four. Shed learned at home for three years and passed every subject with flying colours. Now, she was walking to school on her own two feet.
Granny, Im a bit scared, she admitted.
Oh, Emily, youre ten already! Lookyour mum and dad are just behind us.
Why the long face, love? Sarah asked as they caught up.
Shes nervous, Nina replied.
Chris reached out his hand. Here, Emily. Ready?
With you, Dad, Im not scared at all, Emily grinned.
They all strolled towards the school togetherEmily and Chris chattering hand in hand, Sarah and Nina following close behind, all of them happy.
Looking back, I realise that fate has its ways, but kindness can bring people together out of the blue. Family doesnt always start with blood, but it grows with compassion, loyalty, and the courage to step up when needed most.
