The Homeless

HOMELESS
There was nowhere left for Alice to go. I mean, absolutely nowhere I could try sleeping at the train station for a night or two. But then what? Suddenly, the idea hit her like a bolt out of the blue: Of course! The old cottage! How could I forget? Though, calling it a cottage was generous. It was more a rundown shack, really. Still, better to head there than try sleeping at the railway station, she thought.
Alice boarded the train, pressed her forehead against the chilly window and shut her eyes. The memories crashed down on hermemories of those recent, painful events. Two years ago, she lost her parents and was left to face the world alone with no support at all. She couldnt afford the university fees, so she had to drop out and start working at a local market.
After all that hardship, fortune smiled and she fell in love. William was kind and respectablea real gentleman. Two months later, they had a small, modest wedding.
It seemed like things might finally look up But life had other plans. William proposed the idea to sell her parents flat in the heart of London and start their own business. He painted such a promising picture, Alice didnt have the slightest doubt. She trusted her husband, certain he was doing the right thing and soon their financial worries would be behind them. Once we find our feet, perhaps we can think about having a baby. I cant wait to be a mum! dreamed Alice, blissfully naïve.
The business flopped. Arguments broke out about the wasted money, and their relationship quickly went downhill. Not long after, William brought home another woman and told Alice to leave.
Her first instinct was to go to the police, but she realised she had nothing to accuse him of. She had sold the flat herself and handed the money to William
***
Alice stepped off the platform and wandered alone along the deserted station. Early spring was in the air, but it wasnt quite the season for country cottages yet. The grounds had become wild and neglected over three years. Never mind, Ill tidy things up. Itll be just like it was, thought Alice, though deep down she knew nothing would ever be quite the same again.
She found the key easily enough under the porch, but the wooden door had sunk and refused to open. She tried everything, but couldnt budge it. Finally, Alice sat down on the steps and broke down in tears.
Suddenly, she noticed smoke and heard a noise coming from the neighbouring plot. Thrilled at the prospect of someone nearby, she rushed over.
Aunt Rose! Are you home? she called.
But in the garden stood only a scruffy older man, which startled her. He was warming water over a small fire, in a battered mug.
Who are you? Wheres Aunt Rose? Alice asked, edging away.
Dont be afraid, please dont call the police. I promise, I dont cause trouble. I dont go inside, I just live here in the garden he replied. Oddly enough, his voice was cultured, gentlea voice belonging to an educated man.
Are you homeless? Alice blurted out.
Yes, youre right, he said quietly, lowering his eyes. Do you live next door? Dont worry, I wont bother you.
Whats your name?
Michael.
And your surname? she pressed.
Surname? Fisher, he said, surprised.
Alice studied Michael Fisher. Although his clothes were worn, they were fairly clean; the old man himself seemed well kept.
I dont know who I can turn to for help Alice confessed with a sigh.
Whats happened? Michael inquired kindly.
The doors dropped. I cant open it.
If youd like, I can take a look, offered the homeless man.
Id really appreciate it! she said in despair.
While Michael fiddled with the door, Alice sat on the bench, pondering the stranger: Who am I, to look down on him or judge him? I mean, Im just as homeless as he isour situations arent all that different
Alice, Ive sorted it! Come check, Michael Fisher smiled and pushed the door open. Wait, are you staying here tonight?
Well, yes, where else would I go? Alice replied, surprised.
Is there any heating? he asked.
Theres a wood stove, I think, admitted Alice, who didnt have the faintest clue about it.
Alright. And firewood?
Im not sure, she mumbled.
No worries. Go inside, Ill come up with something, Michael said resolutely and headed off.
Alice spent nearly an hour cleaning. The place was damp, cold, and gloomy. She felt lost, unsure how she could stay there for any length of time. Then Michael Fisher returned with firewood. To her surprise, Alice was comforted simply by having another human nearby.
The man cleaned out the stove and got it going. Within an hour, the cottage was warm.
Thats it! The stoves burning well. Just add a few logs now and then, but youll need to damp it down for the night. Dont worry, itll stay warm until morning, Michael explained.
And what about you? Are you going to the neighbours? asked Alice.
Yes, Ill stay a bit in their garden. I dont want to go back to London Too many painful memories.
Wait, Michael Fisher. Lets have dinner, a cup of hot tea, then you can go, Alice said firmly.
Michael made no fuss, took off his jacket, and sat down by the stove.
Sorry for prying but you dont seem like a typical vagrant. Why are you living outdoors? Wheres your home, your family?
Michael Fisher told her, he’d once been a university lecturer, devoted his younger years to his work and to science. Old age crept up on him unnoticed. When he finally realised he was truly alone in his twilight years, it was too late to change anything.
A year ago, his niece started visiting. She hinted she’d help if only he left his flat to her in his will. Naturally, he was delighted and agreed.
After gaining his trust, Emily convinced him to sell the flat in the stuffy part of town and buy a lovely house in the countrylarge garden, cosy gazebo. Shed already found just the place, apparently at a bargain.
Hed always dreamt of fresh air and peace. Without hesitating, he agreed. After selling the flat, Emily suggested setting up a bank account, so he wouldnt have to carry so much cash.
Uncle Mike, you take a seat on the bench while I sort things out. Let me take your bag, just in case someones watching, Emily said, outside the bank.
She disappeared inside with the bag, and he waited. One hour passed, then two, then three Emily never came back. When Michael finally entered, he found the bank nearly empty; there was another exit on the other side.
He couldnt believe his own kin could betray him so cruelly. He remained sitting on the bench, waiting for Emily. The next day, he went to her home. Someone else answered the door. The woman explained that Emily hadnt lived there for ages, and the flat had been sold two years ago
Its not a cheerful story, Michael sighed. Ive been on the streets ever since. I still cant believe I have no home anymore
Yeah! I thought I was alone in this Seems were in the same boat, Alice replied, and told her story.
Thats rough. But Ive lived my life As for you, left uni, lost your flat But dont despair, every problem can be solved. Youre young, and your future can still be bright, Michael tried to reassure her.
Enough doom and gloom! Lets eat! Alice smiled.
She watched as Michael tucked into macaroni and sausages with gusto. The sight made her feel so sorry for him. It was clear how lonely and helpless he was.
It’s terrifying, being completely alone out on the streets, realising nobody needs you, thought Alice.
Alice, I might be able to help you get back into university. I still have good friends there. I think you could manage to study on a scholarship, he suggested. Of course, in this state, I cant show up to my old colleagues. Ill write a letter to the dean, and you can meet him. Charles is an old mate of mine. Hell help, Im sure.
Thank you! That would be amazing! Alice replied, delighted.
Thank you for the meal, and for listening. Ill be off, its late, Michael said, rising to leave.
Wait You shouldnt be out there. There are three spacious rooms hereyou can have any you like. Honestly, Im scared to be alone. Scared of the stoveIve no idea how to handle it! You wont leave me in trouble, will you?
No. I wont leave you, Michael said seriously.
***
Two years passed Alice finished her exams successfully, and looking forward to summer holidays, she headed for her country cottage. She lived mainly in the halls during the semester, but came here for weekends and breaks.
Hello! she called, hugging Granddad Mike.
Alice! My girl! Why didnt you ring? Id have met you at the station. Well, did you pass? he beamed.
Yes! Nearly all top marks! Alice boasted. And look, I brought cake. Put the kettle onlets celebrate!
Alice and Michael Fisher shared tea and caught up on their news.
Ive planted some grapes. Right over there, Im going to build a gazebo. Itll be so comfortable and peaceful! Michael enthused.
Thats brilliant! Youre the boss here, do whatever you think best. I just come and go, Alice laughed.
The old man was transformed. No longer lonely. He had a homea granddaughter, Alice. She too had found a new life. Michael Fisher had become family to her. Alice was grateful to fate for sending her granddad who took the place of her parents and supported her in her darkest hour.
Looking back, I learned that kindness and true companionship can turn even the worst situation around. Life can surprise us, and sometimes, a stranger becomes the person who saves your soul.