HOMELESS
There was no place for Alice to go. Truly, not a place in the world Perhaps I could spend a couple of nights at the station. But what then? Suddenly, a ray of hope crossed her mind: The old country cottage! How could I have forgotten? Though calling it a cottage might be generousjust a half-crumbled shack, really. Still, better to journey there than bed down at the railway station, thought Alice.
She boarded the train, rested her head against the cool window pane, and closed her eyes. Waves of recent sorrow washed over her. Two years before, she had lost her parents and been left utterly alone, with no one to lean on. There was no money for her studies, so she was forced to leave college and take up work at the market.
After all shed endured, fortune smiled and soon she found love. Henry turned out to be a decent, good-natured man, and after just two months of courtship, they held a humble wedding.
One might think happiness awaited them But fate had planned another trial for Alice. Henry suggested she sell her parents flat in the heart of London and invest the money into starting their own business.
He painted the plan with such charming colours, Alice had no doubts; she was certain her husband had their future well in hand, and soon they would be free from financial worry. Once were settled, we might even think about a little one. I do so long to be a mother! she dreamt, naïvely.
But things did not go well for Henry in business. Their quarrels over the squandered money became frequent, and soon the marriage soured. Not long after, Henry brought another woman home and showed Alice the door.
At first, she thought of going to the policebut then realised she really had nothing to accuse him of. Shed sold the flat herself and handed him every penny
***
Stepping off at the small village station, Alice wandered down the deserted platform. It was early spring and the allotments stood empty, the gardening season not yet begun. In three years, the plot had become wild and neglected. Never mind, Ill get everything in order and it will be as it was, she told herself, knowing deep down things would never really be the same.
She found the key easily enough, still under the worn step, but the warped wooden door refused to budge. Alice struggled with it for ages, but her efforts were in vain. Finally, exhausted, she slumped down by the porch and wept.
Just then, she noticed a drift of smoke and the sound of life from the neighbouring plot. Brightening at the thought a neighbour was nearby, Alice hurried over.
Aunt May, are you home? she called.
Standing in the garden, she was startled by the sight of an unfamiliar, bearded old man. Hed made up a small fire, on which he was heating water in a battered mug.
Who are you? Wheres Aunt May? Alice asked, taking a nervous step back.
No need to fear, miss. And please, dont call the police. I mean no harm. I stay outside, never enter the house
To her surprise, the mans voice was deep, refinedlike someone educated.
Are you homeless? Alice blurted out.
Yes, youre correct, the man replied quietly, eyes averted. Do you live nearby? Please dont worry, Ill not be a bother.
Whats your name?
Michael.
And your surname? she pressed softly.
Surname? he chuckled, surprised. Its Fitzwilliam.
Alice looked closely at Michael Fitzwilliam. His attire, though rather threadbare, was clean enough, and he seemed reasonably well-kept.
I really dont know whom to turn to she sighed.
Whats happened? he asked kindly.
The doors stuck I cant open it.
If you like, Ill take a look, the homeless man offered.
Id be so grateful, she breathed in despair.
While Michael fiddled with the stubborn door, Alice sat on the bench and reflected: Who am I to despise or judge him? Im homeless now too, and not so different from him after all
Alice, have a look! Michael Fitzwilliam gave a small, triumphant smile as he pushed the door open. Are you going to stay here overnight?
Well, yeswhere else would I go? Alice replied in surprise.
Is there any heating?
Theres an old stove, I think she admitted, suddenly realising how little she knew about it.
And wood for the fire? Michael asked.
Im not sure, she said, crestfallen.
No matter. Go inside, Ill sort something out, Michael said resolutely and disappeared.
Alice spent the next hour cleaning. It was cold, damp, and unexpectedly lonely. She wondered how she would manage there. Soon enough, Michael Fitzwilliam returned with a bundle of wood. To her own surprise, Alice was glad to have even one living soul nearby.
He cleared out the stove and stoked a fire. In an hour, warmth seeped into the house.
There, thats it. Just add a little wood now and then, and put out the fire before beditll keep you warm till morning, he explained.
And where will you go? To the neighbours? Alice enquired.
Yes. Please dont mind me, Ill stay out on the plot next door. I dont care for the city anymore It would only bring up old shadows to haunt me.
Wait, Michael Fitzwilliam, wont you stay for supper? A cup of hot tea before you go, Alice said with quiet resolve.
He didnt protest, but quietly removed his jacket and sat by the stove.
Forgive my intrusion butyou dont seem like a vagrant. Why are you out here? Where is your home, your family?
Michael Fitzwilliam shared that hed once been a lecturer at university, devoting his life to work and scholarship. Hed hardly noticed as age stole up on him, and only realised he was truly alone too late for change.
A year earlier, a niece began paying visits, sweetly implying her help if he left his home to her. He trusted her gladly. Later, Janehis niecesuggested selling the flat in a dreary bit of London to buy a handsome house in the countryside, with a large garden and charming gazebo. Shed already found a wonderful bargain.
Hed always yearned for peace and greenery, so agreed without hesitation. After the flat was sold, Jane suggested opening a bank account, so the cash would be safe.
Uncle Michael, sit here a moment, Ill see whats what. Let me take the bag, best not risk being watched, she said at the bank.
With that, Jane and the money vanished into the building. He waitedan hour, another, a third She never reappeared. Going inside, he found only an empty lobby and an exit on the far side.
He couldnt believe his own kin would deceive him so cruelly. He remained on that bench, waiting in vain for Jane. The next day, he went to her old address. A stranger opened the door. Jane had moved away long ago, had sold her flat two years before
Not a cheerful tale, Im afraid the old man finished with a heavy sigh. Since then, Ive lived on the streets. Even now I struggle to believe I have no home.
I see I thought I was alone, but Ive suffered much the same, Alice said, and confided her story in return.
Its all rather grim. But Ive had my life; you, you had to leave university, you lost your home Dont despair. All problems can be solved, and youre youngtheres time to put things right, he tried to reassure her.
Oh, enough gloom. Lets have some supper! Alice smiled.
She watched as the old man ate pasta and sausages with gusto. In that moment, she pitied him deeplyhow stark a thing it is to be truly alone and unwanted in this world, she thought.
Alice, I might help you get back to university. I still have friends there, Im sure you could return as a student without fees, Michael said suddenly. Of course, I cant show up looking like this. But I could write a letter to the headmasterConstantine, an old friend. Hell help you.
Thank you! That would be wonderful! Alices spirits lifted.
Thank you for supper and for listening. Id best be off, its late, said Michael as he rose.
Wait. Its not right, you going out in the cold Alice spoke softly.
Dont worry. Ive a snug shelter next door. Ill see you tomorrow, he smiled.
No need for that. Ive three roomstake whatever suits you. If Im honest, Im afraid to be alone and I dont know the first thing about this stove. You wont abandon me, will you?
No, I wont abandon you, he replied, solemnly.
***
Two years passed Alice had finished her exams with flying colours and was looking forward to the summer holiday, heading home. She still spent weekends and term breaks at the old cottage, though she lived on campus now.
Hello! she called, warmly embracing Grandpa Michael.
Alice, my dear girl! Why didnt you ring? Id have met you at the station. Well, how did the exams go? he asked joyfully.
Splendid! Almost all top marks, Alice beamed. I brought a cakeput on the kettle, lets celebrate!
Alice and Michael Fitzwilliam sat with their tea and traded news.
Ive planted grapes, just over there. Ill put up a gazebo, itll be lovely and pleasant, he said.
How wonderful! Truly, its your home nowdo what you like. Im just a visitor these days, Alice laughed.
The old man had transformed. He was alone no longer. He had a home, a granddaughterAlice. And she, for her part, was living again. Michael was as dear as a grandfather to her. Alice was grateful that fate had sent her a grandfatherly friendsomeone to stand by her in hard times, to fill the space her parents had left behind.
