Homeless

HOMELESS
Claire had nowhere left to go. I mean, absolutely nowhere I could sleep at the station for a couple of nights. But then what? Suddenly, a saving thought struck her: The cottage! How could I forget? Although, cottage is quite generous. Its really just a dilapidated shack. Still, Id rather go there than end up at the station, Claire mused.
Once shed boarded the train, Claire leaned against the cold window and closed her eyes. Heavy memories of recent events washed over her. Two years ago, shed lost her parents and found herself completely alone, with no support. With no money for university fees, she had to drop out and work at the market.
After all shed endured, luck finally smiled on Claire and she soon met her love. James turned out to be a kind and respectable man. After two months, they had a modest wedding.
It seemed she could finally enjoy life But fate had another trial in store for Claire. James suggested selling her parents flat in central London to start their own business.
He described the venture so colourfully that Claire had no doubt, convinced her husband knew what he was doing and that soon theyd leave their financial worries behind. Once things are stable, we can start thinking about a baby. I just want to become a mother so much! Claire dreamed naively.
In the end, the business was a failure. The constant arguments over wasted money quickly tore their relationship apart. Before long, James brought another woman home and told Claire to leave.
At first, Claire thought of turning to the police, but realised she didnt have a leg to stand on. She herself had sold the flat and handed the money to James…
***
Stepping off at the station, Claire wandered alone along the deserted platform. Early spring was in the air, the cottage season had yet to begin. Over three years, the plot had become overgrown and was in terrible shape. Its fine, Ill tidy up and things will be as they were, she told herself, knowing deep down things would never be the same again.
Claire easily found the key beneath the porch, but the wooden door had sagged and refused to open. She fought with the door, using all her strength, but it was no use. Defeated, Claire sat on the steps and burst into tears.
Suddenly, she noticed smoke rising from the neighbours plot and heard some noise. Relieved to see a neighbour was around, Claire hurried over.
Aunt Ruth! Are you home? she called.
But instead of Ruth, a scruffy elderly man stood in the garden, startling Claire with fear and surprise. The stranger had built a small fire and was warming water in a battered mug.
Who are you? Wheres Aunt Ruth? Claire asked, backing away.
Dont be afraid. Please, dont call the police. I mean no harm. I dont go in the house, I just stay here in the garden…
Surprisingly, the old mans voice was warm and cultured, the kind used by educated people.
Are you homeless? Claire blurted out.
Yes, youre right, the man said softly, looking away. Do you live next door? Please dont worry, I wont bother you.
Whats your name?
Michael.
And your middle name? Claire prompted.
Middle name? the old man was puzzled. Its Frederick.
Claire studied Michael Frederick carefully. His clothes were worn but fairly clean, and he was decently groomed for a man in his situation.
I dont know who I can turn to for help Claire sighed deeply.
What happened? Michael asked with sympathy.
The doors stuck I cant open it.
If you like, I could take a look, the homeless man offered.
Id be grateful, Claire said, almost desperate.
While the old man fiddled with the door, Claire sat on a bench and wondered about him: Who am I to judge him? After all, Im homeless tooour situations arent so different…
Claire, here you are! Michael Frederick smiled, nudging the door open. Wait, are you planning to stay here tonight?
Yes, why wouldnt I? Claire replied, puzzled.
Does the place have heating?
Theres supposed to be a stove Claire admitted, realising she knew nothing about such things.
Right. And do you have wood?
I dont know, Claire said quietly.
No trouble. Go inside, Ill sort something out, Michael said confidently, heading off.
Claire spent an hour cleaning. The house was cold, damp and unwelcoming. She was upset and wondered how she could possibly manage living there. Before long, Michael Frederick returned with firewood. To her surprise, Claire was glad to have at least one person nearby.
He cleared the stove a bit and got it started. An hour later, the house was cosy and warm.
Thats it! The stoves nice and hot, just add a bit of wood now and then, but let it go out before bed. Dont worry, the warmth will last till morning, Michael explained.
And where will you go, back to the neighbours? Claire asked.
Yes. Please, dont judge me. Ill stay on their plot for a while. I dont want to go back to the city Dont want to stir old memories.
Michael Frederick, wait. Lets have supper together and some hot tea, then you can go, Claire said decisively.
Michael didnt protest. He quietly took off his jacket and sat near the stove.
Forgive me for prying But you dont seem like a typical tramp. Why are you living outdoors? Where are your home and family?
Michael Frederick told her hed spent his life teaching at university. His youth was devoted to work and science. Old age crept up unnoticed. By the time he realised hed grown completely alone in his twilight years, it was too late to change anything.
A year ago, his niece started visiting. She gently hinted shed help him if he left her the flat in his will. Naturally, he was delighted and agreed.
Then, Tanya won his trust. She suggested selling the flat in the stuffy city and buying a fine house in the suburbs, with a lovely garden and a gazebo. Shed even found a great deal, or so she said.
Michael had always dreamed of fresh air and peace, so he agreed without hesitation. After the sale, Tanya proposed opening a bank account so he wouldnt have to keep such a large sum at home.
Uncle Michael, take a seat outside on the bench, Ill sort things out inside. Let me carry the bagnever know, someone might be watching us, she said at the banks entrance.
Tanya disappeared inside with the bag, and the old man waited. He waited an hour, then two, then three His niece never returned. When he finally went into the bank, he found it empty except for another exit at the back.
Michael Frederick couldnt believe his own flesh and blood would betray him so cruelly. He stayed sitting on the bench, hoping Tanya would come back. The next day, he went to her old home. A stranger opened the door and explained that Tanya hadnt lived there for years. Shed sold the flat two years ago
Its not a cheerful story sighed Michael. Since then, Ive lived on the streets. I still cant believe I no longer have a home.
Oh dear. I thought I was the only one My storys quite similar, Claire replied, and told him everything.
Its tough, all this. At least Ive lived my life And you? Left university, lost your flat But dont despair; every problem has a solution. Youre young, youll be fine, the old man tried to comfort her.
Lets not dwell on sad things. Time for supper! Claire smiled.
She watched as Michael ate his pasta and sausages with huge appetite. In that moment, she felt so sorry for him. It was clear he was lonely and vulnerable.
How terrifying it must be, to end up completely alone on the streets, knowing that no one cares, Claire thought.
Claire, I can help you get back into university. I still have good friends there. Im sure you could study on scholarship, Michael said unexpectedly. Naturally, I cant turn up to my old colleagues looking like this. Ill write a letter to the Dean, and you can meet him. My old mate, Constantine. Hell definitely help.
Thank you. That would be wonderful! Claire said, her spirits lifting.
Thank you for supper, and for listening. Ill be off now, its getting late, the old man said, rising.
Wait. It isnt right for you to go out there, Claire whispered.
Dont worry. I have a warm shelter on the neighbours plot. Ill visit you tomorrow, Michael smiled.
No need for you to go out on the streets. Ive three spacious rooms here. You can use whichever you like. Truth be told, Im scared to stay alone. Especially of the stoveI have no clue how it works. You wont abandon me, will you?
No. I wont leave you, Michael replied solemnly.
***
Two years passed Claire had finished her exams with flying colours and was excited for the summer holidays, heading home. She still lived at the cottage when she could, though her days were mainly spent in the university halls.
Hello! she called cheerfully, hugging Grandpa Michael.
Claire! My dear! Why didnt you call? I couldve met you at the station. So, how did the exams go? the old man asked, delighted.
Great! Nearly all top marks! Claire boasted. Brought a cake. Put the kettle onlets celebrate!
Claire and Michael Frederick enjoyed tea together, catching up on the news.
Ive planted grapes. Ill build a gazebo over thereitll be cosy, Michael told her.
Fantastic! Honestly, youre the master here, do whatever you like. Me, I just come and go, Claire laughed.
The old man had been utterly transformed. Now, he wasnt alone. He had a home, a granddaughter in Claire. Claire herself had come back to life. Michael Frederick had become family for her; she was grateful fate had sent her this grandfather to stand by her and support her in her darkest hour.