No Place to Call Home: Nina’s Journey from Heartbreak and Loss to an Unlikely Friendship with a Homeless Gentleman in the English Countryside

HOMELESS

There was nowhere left for Emily to go. Nowhere at all, in fact. Perhaps I could stay a couple of nights at the train station But after that? Suddenly, an idea flickered through her mind, offering a glimmer of hope. The allotment! How could I have forgotten? Well, to be honest, calling it an allotment is a bit muchits really just a ramshackle garden shed, falling to pieces. Still, its better than the station, she reasoned with herself.

Boarding the local train, Emily leaned against the cold window and closed her eyes. She was soon overwhelmed by memories of everything that had happened in recent months. It had been two years since her parents passed away, leaving her completely alone with no support. She couldnt keep up her university payments and had to leave her studies, instead taking a job at the town market.

But after all shed been through, luck finally smiled upon Emily. It wasnt long before she met her sweetheart. David turned out to be a kind, decent man, and after two months they celebrated a modest wedding.

For a while, it seemed as though happiness was finally within reach. But, as life would have it, another challenge lay ahead for Emily. David suggested she sell her parents flat in the city centre so they could start a business together.

He painted such a convincing picture that Emily found herself swept up by his optimism, believing wholeheartedly in him. Once were on our feet, we can even start thinking about a baby, she would dream. Oh, how I long to be a mother!

But Davids business failed. Their arguments over wasted money became increasingly frequent, and it wasnt long before cracks appeared in their marriage. One day, David brought another woman home and pointedly told Emily to leave.

Her first thought was to contact the police, but she quickly realised there was nothing she could accuse him of. She had sold the flat and handed over the money to David of her own free will

***

Getting off at her stop, Emily wandered along the deserted platform. It was early spring, not yet the season for gardening. In the three years since shed last visited, the plot had become overgrown and looked pitiful. Never mind, she thought, Ill tidy things up. Even if things will never be quite the same again.

She found the key with ease, right beneath the porch where it had always been, but the wooden door had warped and refused to open. No amount of pushing seemed to help, and with a heavy heart, Emily sat down on the step and burst into tears.

Suddenly, smoke rose from the neighbouring allotment, and she heard the sounds of someone moving about. Relieved that at least someone was nearby, Emily hurried over.

Auntie Mary! Are you in? she called out.

But instead of Mrs. Mary, she found a grizzled, elderly man sitting in the garden, boiling water in a grubby old mug over a small fire.

Who are you? Wheres Auntie Mary? Emily asked, stepping back warily.

Dont be afraid. Please, dont ring the police. Im not doing anything wrong. Im not even inside the housejust living here, outside.

To her surprise, the mans voice was cultured and gentle, the sort you might expect from someone well-educated.

Are you homeless? Emily asked without thinking.

Yes, I am, he replied softly, dropping his gaze. Do you live nearby? Dont worry, Ill keep out of your way.

Whats your name?

Michael.

And your surname? she pressed.

Surname? the old man seemed taken aback. Fletcher. Michael Fletcher.

Emily regarded Michael Fletcher with curiosity. His clothes were worn but surprisingly clean, and he seemed better kept than most living on the streets.

I dont know who to turn to for help she sighed heavily.

Whats happened? Michael asked kindly.

The doors warped I cant get it open.

If youd like, I can have a look, he offered.

Id be grateful, she said desperately.

As Michael fiddled with the door, Emily sat on a bench, contemplating the situation. Who am I to look down on him or judge? Im homeless too. Were not so different, after all

Emily, come take a look! Michael beamed, giving the door a shove. Waityoure planning to stay here tonight?

Well, yes. Where else would I go? Emily replied, surprised.

Is there any heating in there?

Theres an old fireplace, I think she trailed off, realising that she knew nothing about such things.

I see. Any firewood? he asked.

Im not sure she admitted, feeling even more downcast.

Alright. Go on in, Ill sort something out, he said confidently and headed off.

Emily spent the next hour cleaning, but the cottage was cold, damp, and anything but cosy. She couldnt imagine how she was going to live there. Soon, Michael returned with an armful of wood. Unexpectedly, Emily felt genuinely glad that she wasnt entirely alone.

He cleared out the fireplace and got a fire going. After an hour, the place was finally warm.

There you go! Keep the fire topped up during the evening, and let it die down before bed. Dont worry, itll stay warm through the night, Michael explained.

And what about you? Will you stay with the neighbours? Emily asked.

Yes, Ill camp next door for a bit. I dont want to return to the city There are too many memories there.

Wait, Michaelstay for dinner. Lets have a cup of hot tea before you go, she insisted.

He didnt object, just took off his coat and settled near the fireplace.

Sorry to pry, Emily began, but you dont seem like the usual sort living rough. Why are you on the streets? Wheres your home? Dont you have family?

Michael told her how hed been a lecturer at a university, dedicating his younger years to his students and his love for science. Old age crept up on him by surprise, and by the time he realised he was alone, it was far too late to change anything.

About a year ago, his niece began visiting, promising to help him if he would leave her the flat in his will. Naively, he agreed.

Later, Rachel won him over completely, suggesting he sell his dreary city flat and buy a lovely house with a big garden just out of town. She even found the perfect place at a bargain price.

Hed always dreamed of peace and fresh air, so he agreed without hesitation. After the sale, Rachel suggested putting the money in the bank for safekeeping.

Uncle Michael, why dont you sit on the bench while I pop in and sort everything out? Just let me have the bagin case someones watching us, shed said outside the bank.

Rachel disappeared inside with the bag. Michael waited. He waited an hour, then two, then three She never came out. When he eventually entered the bank, he found it nearly empty, but there was another exit at the back.

Michael couldnt believe someone he trusted could betray him like that. Still in disbelief, he waited outside for Rachel to return. The next day he went to her old address, but a stranger answered and explained Rachel hadnt lived there in agesshed sold the flat two years ago

Thats my sorry tale, Michael sighed. Ive been homeless ever since. I still cant quite believe I dont have a home anymore.

Its dreadful, thats true. I thought I was the only one in such a mess Emily shared, telling Michael her own story.

Its a tough spot. At least Im oldIve already lived my life. But you? You left university, lost your home But dont lose hope. Every problem has a solution. Youre youngthings will get better for you, Michael said, trying to reassure her.

Lets not dwell on sadness any longer. Dinnertime! Emily smiled.

She watched as Michael hungrily ate the sausages and pasta shed cooked. In that moment, her heart went out to him. It was obvious how terribly lonely he was.

How awful it must be alone in the world, living rough, realising youre needed by no one, Emily thought.

Emily, I could help you get back into university. I’ve still got some friends in the faculty. I think you could get a grant, Michael said unexpectedly. Of course, in my current state, I couldnt show my face to my old colleagues. But I could write a letter to the Chancellor. Hes an old friendCharles. Im sure hell help.

Thank you. That would be wonderful! Emily replied, genuinely cheered.

Thank you for the meal, and for listening. Id better be offits getting late, Michael said, standing up.

Please, dont go. Where will you sleep? Emily asked quietly.

Dont worry. Ive got a warm little hideout on the next plot. Ill come by again tomorrow, he smiled.

You dont need to sleep outdoors. There are three rooms hereyou can have whichever you like. To be honest, Im frightened to be alone, especially with the fire. I dont know what Im doing. Dont leave me in this mess, will you?

No, I wont leave you, he said seriously.

***

Two years passed. Emily passed her exams and, looking forward to summer holidays, made her way back to the allotment. She still lived in college accommodation, but came to the allotment whenever she could on weekends and during breaks.

Hello! she called brightly, hugging Grandad Michael.

Emily! My dear! Why didnt you call? Id have met you at the station. How did you do? he asked, delighted.

I did really wellnearly all distinctions! she boasted. Ive brought a cake too. Put the kettle on, lets celebrate!

They sat together, drinking tea and sharing the latest news.

Ive planted some grapevines. Im going to build an arbour just over there. Itll be lovely and cosy, Michael said.

Thats brilliant! Honestly, youre the master of this place nowdo whatever you like! Ill just come and go as usual, Emily laughed.

The old man was completely changedhe was no longer alone. Now he had a home, a granddaughterEmily. She too had come alive again. Michael Fletcher had become family to her, a surrogate grandfather when she needed it most. And Im ever grateful that fate brought him into my life, teaching me that sometimes, the family we find is just as precious as the one we lose.