Homeless and Hopeless: A Desperate Search for Shelter
Emily had nowhere to go. Truly, nowhere “I could spend a few nights at the railway station. But then what?” Suddenly, a saving thought struck her: “The cottage! How could I forget? Though calling it a cottage is a stretch. Its more of a tumbledown shack. Still, its better than the station,” she reasoned.
Boarding the local train, Emily leaned against the cold window and closed her eyes. A wave of painful memories flooded herthe last two years had been cruel. She had lost both parents, leaving her alone with no support. Unable to afford university, she dropped out and took a job at the market.
After all that hardship, luck finally smiled upon her when she met Thomas. He was kind, decent. Within months, they had a modest wedding. Life seemed to settle until fate dealt another blow. Thomas suggested selling her parents flat in the city centre to start a business.
He painted such a hopeful picture that Emily didnt hesitate. “Once were stable, we can think about a baby. I cant wait to be a mother!” she dreamed, naive and trusting.
But the business failed. Endless quarrels over wasted money soured their marriage. Soon, Thomas brought another woman home and showed Emily the door.
At first, she thought of going to the police, but realised she had no case. She had signed over the flat herself, handed Thomas the money
***
Stepping onto the deserted platform, Emily walked alone. It was early spring, the countryside still dormant. Three years of neglect had left the cottage overgrown and derelict. “No matter, Ill fix it up,” she told herself, though she knew nothing would ever be the same.
She found the key beneath the porch, but the warped wooden door wouldnt budge. Struggling in vain, she sat on the steps and wept.
Thensmoke. A crackling sound from the neighbouring plot. Relieved, she hurried over.
“Mrs. Agnes! Are you home?” she called.
Instead, a dishevelled old man tended a small fire, boiling water in a grimy tin. Startled, Emily stepped back.
“Who are you? Wheres Mrs. Agnes?”
“Dont be afraid. And please, dont call the authorities. Im doing no harm. I dont intrudeI live out here.”
His voice was cultured, gentle. The kind youd hear from an educated man.
“Youre homeless?” she blurted.
“Yes,” he admitted, eyes downcast. “Do you live next door? I wont trouble you.”
“Whats your name?”
“William.”
“Your surname?”
“Smith.”
Emily studied him. His clothes, though worn, were clean. He carried himself with dignity.
“I need help,” she confessed.
“Whats wrong?”
“The doors stuck. I cant open it.”
“If youll allow me, Ill take a look,” he offered.
“Please,” she said gratefully.
As he worked, Emily sat on the bench, struck by a thought: “Who am I to judge him? Im homeless too. Were the same.”
“Emmy, take a look!” William smiled, pushing the door open. “Waityou plan to stay here tonight?”
“Where else?”
“Is there heating?”
“An old stove, I think” Her voice faltered.
“Firewood?”
“I dont know.”
“Right. Go inside. Ill fetch something,” he said firmly.
For an hour, Emily cleaned. The cottage was damp, cold, unwelcoming. She felt utterly lost. Then William returned with firewood. To her surprise, his presence comforted her.
He lit the stove. Within an hour, warmth filled the room.
“There. Keep feeding it slowly, but douse it at night. Itll stay warm till morning,” he explained.
“And you? Where will you go?”
“Next door. I dont want to return to the city. Some memories are best left buried.”
“William, wait. Stay for supper. Have some tea,” she insisted.
He didnt refuse. Shedding his coat, he sat by the stove.
“Forgive my asking but you dont seem like a man who belongs on the streets. What happened?”
William had been a university lecturer, devoted to his work. Old age crept up unnoticed. By the time he realised he was utterly alone, it was too late to change.
A year ago, his niece, Victoria, began visiting. Sweetly, she suggested he sign his flat over to herfor her help, of course. Trusting, he agreed.
Then she proposed selling his city flat for a quaint countryside home. “Let me handle the money, Uncle. Its safer in the bank,” shed said outside one.
She vanished with the cash. He waited hours. Days. The flat was sold; Victoria was gone.
“Such cruelty” William sighed. “Ive lived outdoors since. Still, Ive had my time. Youre young. Things will improve.”
“Lets eat. No more sad talk,” Emily said softly.
She watched him devour baked beans on toast. He was so alone. So helpless.
“How awful,” she thought, “to have no one.”
“Emmy, I can help you return to university. Ive friends there still. Theyd grant you a scholarship. Ill write to the deanhes an old colleague. Hell assist you.”
“Thank you! Thatd be wonderful!”
“Now, I should go. Its late.”
“Wait. Where will you sleep?”
“Dont fret. Ive a spot nearby.”
“Stay. There are three rooms here. And Im scared to be alone. I dont know how to tend the stove. You wont leave me, will you?”
“No,” he said firmly. “I wont.”
***
Two years passed Emily aced her finals and rushed home for summer break. She still lived in the cottageweekends and holidays, at least.
“Hello!” she cheered, hugging Grandad William.
“Emmy! Why didnt you call? Id have fetched you. How were your exams?”
“Brilliant! Nearly all top marks! I brought cake. Put the kettle onlets celebrate!”
Over tea, they shared news.
“Ive planted vines. Building a pergola out back. Itll be lovely,” William said.
“Perfect! Its your homedo as you please. I come and go,” she laughed.
The man was transformed. No longer alone, he had a home. A granddaughter. Emily had a family againa grandfather whod stood by her when she had no one. Fate, it seemed, had granted them both a second chance.
