“Why are you sitting out in the cold?” asked Mrs. Helen Smith, grimacing at the biting air.
The girl lifted her eyes to hers and gazed sadly. The woman appeared to be about forty-five, not much older. She looked quite elegant and well-groomed, but there was a touch of sorrow in her expression.
“Sorry, I’ll leave if I’m in the way,” the girl replied.
“I’m not trying to chase you off, just wondering why you’re sitting here in this winter weather,” said Mrs. Smith more gently.
The day was particularly cold, and the wind howled fiercely. It was certainly not the kind of weather to be sitting idly on benches.
“I have nowhere else to go,” the girl said, bursting into tears.
Her name was Catherine. She truly had nowhere else to turn. Her father had kicked her out just a few days ago. She had come to this town hoping to stay with her aunt on her mother’s side.
Catherine’s mother had passed away three years ago. After her death, her father started drinking heavily. Every day, their relationship deteriorated, and after three years, it became unbearable.
Her father, Richard, frequently brought his odd friends home. Sometimes they harassed his daughter. She complained, but he never tried to help. She had to fend them off on her own. After one particularly bad night, Richard had simply thrown her out.
“Get lost! You’re not needed here! You’re just a freeloader!” he yelled after her.
Catherine went to Aunt Mary hoping she would take her in, but there was simply no room in her flat. She had her own three children, and her mother-in-law and sister-in-law with her child were staying there too, all squeezed into a three-bedroom flat.
All Aunt Mary could do was send Catherine back to her father.
“Go back, your dad will take you in. Cry if you have to, apologize if need be. You have every right to live in your father’s house. He’ll have to understand that!” Mary said, not even offering her some tea.
Catherine left feeling deeply hurt, with no intention of going back to her father. There was nothing good waiting for her there.
She wandered aimlessly through the snow-covered streets of the city until she was exhausted. She decided to rest on a bench when the stranger approached her.
“No place to go? You’re still so young! Are your parents gone?” the woman asked.
Catherine was already eighteen. She was attending college and was currently on break. She hadn’t thought everything through in her rush to leave home, only realizing during her long walk how difficult things were going to get.
“My mother passed away,” Catherine admitted softly, resting her head on her knees.
Tucking her legs up to her chest for warmth, her hands were blue from the cold. Her runny nose dripped, and snowflakes continuously collected on her lashes.
Mrs. Helen felt a pang of pity for the girl. She had a son just a bit older. It wasn’t right to leave children in trouble, even if they weren’t your own.
“Why don’t you come with me? At least I can give you some tea; you’re shivering!” she offered.
Catherine agreed. They went together to the second floor where Mrs. Helen lived. It was a spacious apartment, and more importantly, it was warm. Catherine could finally feel her fingers again.
“Would you like some stew?” offered the homeowner.
Catherine nodded gratefully. The last meal she’d had was the night before. When a bowl of hot stew was placed before her, she wolfed it down as if she hadn’t eaten in ages.
After the meal, she shared her story with her new acquaintance. Mrs. Helen shook her head, displeased.
“It’s unfortunate, really. You can stay here. There’s plenty of room for both of us. My son is currently serving in the army. He won’t be back for two months. But we have three rooms, so stay as long as you need to figure things out.”
“Do you have a husband?” inquired her guest.
“He passed away five years ago. I still miss him. It gets lonely on my own, you know? It’s always nicer with company. So, you’re welcome to stay. I’d enjoy having someone around. Besides, Oliver would love it too, wouldn’t you, Oliver?” she asked her ginger cat, seated nearby cleaning himself.
Catherine felt an awkward, yet deep-seated gratitude, and agreed to stay, as she had nowhere else to turn. No one else needed her. And so began their life together.
Mrs. Helen took an immediate liking to the girl. She was polite and well-mannered. Clearly, her mother’s upbringing hadn’t faded, despite three years with an alcoholic father.
Catherine was neat, and didn’t shy away from household chores. She cleaned diligently, washed dishes, and eagerly learned to cook.
Although Catherine had left her college, she planned to try enrolling in a new course the following year.
Mrs. Helen also helped her find a job for the time being. A friend of hers managed a local shop and took young Catherine on as a sales assistant, despite her lack of experience. Later, she thanked Helen when they met on the street.
“You’ve brought me a great worker—hardworking, humble, and bright.”
Catherine was deeply grateful to Mrs. Helen for her hospitality and often expressed it, helping out whenever possible to avoid feeling like a burden. Their friendship blossomed.
Even Oliver the cat became fond of his young companion, often opting to sleep with her and following her around the house.
Two months later, Mrs. Helen’s son returned from the army. When he came home, dressed smartly in his uniform and holding a bouquet for his mother, it was the first time Catherine met him in person. She had only seen his pictures on the mantel, mostly from when he was a child. And, he was indeed handsome.
After hugging his mother, Michael finally noticed the guest.
“Hello, who might you be?” he asked, surprised, eyeing the slender blonde in the house.
“Oh, dear, this is our guest. Her name’s Catherine. There’s quite a story. She’ll be staying with us for now, and I hope you two become friends! Remember, you can’t be mean to her. She’s a lovely girl!”
“I wasn’t planning to! I thought you might’ve even arranged a sister for me while I was away! Had I known, I’d have brought flowers! Pleased to meet you!” he offered with a smile.
Catherine found herself speechless, just gazing at him. She was quite taken with him. It took a few seconds before she managed to gather herself and look away.
Michael returned from the army more mature and robust. Even his mother was surprised by how sturdy and handsome he’d become. To Catherine, he seemed the ideal man. It’s true what they say, the army turns boys into men.
After a week’s rest, Michael also began looking for work. He planned for the autumn term at university but needed to earn until then; he didn’t want to rely solely on his mother.
And thus, they all lived together, usually crossing paths in the morning and evening, spending the rest of their time at work.
Michael and Catherine quickly bonded. Close in age, they shared many interests. They spent evenings talking or watching movies together, growing close in a way that was hardly sibling-like.
Catherine couldn’t make the first move, afraid of offending Helen. Michael held back too, uncertain if their feelings were mutual. However, Helen noticed and understood that something was blossoming between the two but chose not to interfere.
One evening, Helen pondered the situation, considering Catherine as a potential daughter-in-law. Indeed, she had many qualities Helen admired. So she decided to nudge them a little closer.
With summer’s arrival, she purchased two tickets for a seaside holiday. Initially, she planned to go with Michael, but claimed last-minute work obligations. Under that pretense, she sent Michael and Catherine off together.
“Don’t be shy! Someone else might snatch her away!” she playfully advised her son as he left.
Michael understood. His mother was right. They returned home as a couple, announcing their engagement a month later.
While some thought it hasty, Helen didn’t object. After all, good partners aren’t found every day. While some might be discovered at a roadside bench on a freezing day, that’s a rare blessing. She felt fortunate, and so did her son.
There were whispers among neighbors, and acquaintances outright suggested that Helen’s son was marrying poorly, calling it a silly decision. But Helen knew she had made the right choice.
Years later, she never regretted taking in that shivering girl from the streets, offering her warmth and inviting her to stay. Catherine became a loving and devoted wife, cherished him deeply, gifted Helen with three wonderful grandchildren, and many cherished memories.
