I’ll get married one day, but definitely not to this handsome guy. Yes, he’s wonderful in every way—…

I suppose Ill get married one day, but never to that handsome fellow. Yes, hes quite the charming bloke in every way. But hes not my sort.

Once again, Mums come home with her boyfriend, and this time theres another man with them. Both are already tipsyEmily tucked herself away in the corner behind the cabinet.

Theres nowhere to hide, and its snowing outside. Im so fed up with all this. When summer comes, Ill finish my GCSEs and head to the city. Ill go to teachers college and become a teacher. Only ten miles to the city, but Ill live in halls.

Mum and her guests settled in the kitchen. Emily listened to the sound of liquid being poured and the unmistakable scent of sausage. Her stomach growled in spite of herself.

Oi, you there! Mum called out.

Why are you playing hard to get? one of the men sneered.

Theres two of us

Not your first time with two blokes, eh? Mums boyfriend, Michael, chimed in lewdly.

A crash rang outthe clatter of falling dishes and heavy breathing followed. Emily pressed herself deeper into the corner. Suddenly, it went quiet.

Listen, Nick, shes asleep, Michael whispered.

You said shes a fine lass, but something about her puts me off

Shes got a daughter.

What daughter?

Emily, shes grown now. Probably hiding in her room.

Drag her out here! Nicks drunken voice crowed.

Emily, where are you? Michael entered the room with a sly, unpleasant grin. Come on, sit with us!

Im fine here.

Dont be shy. Michael tried to put his arm around her.

Quick as a flash, Emily grabbed the vase on the cabinet and smashed it over Michaels head.

Glass shattered. Emily wriggled free and bolted from the room.

Catch her! Michael shouted.

But she was already at the front door. No time for shoesshe burst onto the street in her socks, shabby shorts, and an old tee.

The men stumbled after her. The village street was empty, bitterly cold with snow swirling around. Shouts echoed behind her. She dashed past a large detached house and a dog started barking. Someone called off the dog.

Emily rushed to the gate and knocked frantically. A man in his forties answered.

Please help! she whispered, looking at him pleadingly.

Get inside! He grabbed her arm and closed the door behind.

Alec, whos there? called a woman from the hall.

Its this young girl, Alec nodded. Some blokes are after her.

Get her inside! the woman exclaimed, pulling Emily further in. Tell us everything.

Emily, come out and its easier for you! Michaels voice hollered outside.

Alec, dont get involved! the woman snapped. Come inside, now!

Angry voices echoed from the street, mixed with the dogs barking. The woman pulled out her mobile.

We should ring the police.

Polly, dont bother. Ill sort them out myself. Theyre locals by the look.

How do you plan to sort them?

Ill do it calmly. You settle the girl. Alec grabbed a bag, went to the fridge, placed a bottle and a chunk of sausage inside.

In the yard, he stroked the dog and headed outside. The men rushed over.

Hand over Emily!

Here, take this and leave.

Nick opened the bag, grinned when he saw the contents, and nodded to Michael. Lets go, Nick!

***

My names Polly Hammond, the woman said, putting the kettle on. Sit, love. Tell me who you are and what happened.

Im Emily, she stammered, teeth chattering. I live at the far end of this street, with my mum.

Youre Kiras daughter?

Yes.

Weve only just moved here, but your mums name gets mentioned a lot.

Emily hung her head and sobbed.

There, now, dont cry! Polly gently hugged her. Emily clung on, crying harder, comforted by the odd but kind gesture.

Alright, lets have some tea. The man of the house came in.

All sorted. Theyre gone.

What about this lovely girl? Polly grinned, nodding at Emily.

Well talk about that tomorrow. Tonight, lets have tea and get her into the bath.

Are you hungry? Polly set tea and sandwiches out. She smiled gently. I can tell you arego on.

Cakes and sandwiches appeared as well. Alec smiled, watching Emilys eager eyes.

They didnt bombard her with questions. Instead, they quietly left her to settle in.

After dinner, Polly took her to the bathroom.

Wash up, love, and put on this dressing gown!

***

All Emily wanted was not to be sent out into the cold again tonight. It felt blissful lying in a warm bath when outside was so icy. Still, she couldnt stay in forever; her hosts were waiting.

She rejoined Alec and Polly in the lounge, offering a shy smile. Thank you.

Now, Emily, Polly began, I doubt anyones rushing to look for you and I know you dont want to go home.

Emilys head dropped lower.

Tomorrow, we have to leave early in the morning

I understand, Emily replied softly.

Youll be alone. Dont answer the door to anyone! Jack wont let anyone into the yard. You understand?

Yes! Emily blurted out, relief and gratitude bursting inside.

You could make stew for us before we get back, Alec suggested with a sly wink. Are you any good?

Im good with cooking, Emily replied, still nervous shed be kicked out. And I can tidy up the house.

Clean downstairs, if its not too much trouble, Polly nodded.

***

Emily woke up when her hosts did, quietly lying in bed, still anxious shed be told to go. Eventually, the car rumbled in the drive and then silence.

She got up, washed, and saw tea, bread, sausage, and cheese waiting in the kitchen, with pork ribs on the side.

She ate, tidied the kitchen, wiped everything down, and cleaned the floors.

She spotted the vacuum in the corridor, switched it on, and started cleaning through the house.

Shed barely finished when

Whats all this? a voice said behind her.

Emily spun around. A tall, striking young man of eighteen, with curious dark eyes.

Im just cleaning, Emily mumbled. Who are you?

He shrugged and pulled out his phone.

Mum, Im back. Whos this?

Son, let the girl stay a while, Polly answered.

Fine by me. He pocketed the phone, gave Emily a quick once-over, then headed to the kitchen.

Would you like some tea? Emily asked.

Ill make it myself.

***

Emily put the vacuum away, wiping surfaces and straining to hear any movement from the kitchen.

After eating, the young man went to the bathroom. He reappeared freshly shaved, smelling of aftershave.

Oi, mate, hand over another bottle! a shout came from outside.

Whats all that? he strode to the window.

Dont let them in! Emily cried in alarm.

He eyed her curiously, grinned for some reason, and walked towards the door.

Emily rushed to the window. At the fence, Michael and his mate were yelling, causing Emilys heart to pound.

Thenthe young man walked out. The two men lunged for him and suddenly collapsed into the snow. Emily thought theyd both fallen at once.

He leaned down, said something, and the men stood, heads hung, and trudged back towards Michaels house.

***

The young man returned. His gaze stopped on Emily, frozen in shock.

Did that frighten you?

She buried her face in his chest, sobbing uncontrollably.

Whats your name? he asked suddenly.

Emily.

Im Russell. Dont cry. They wont come back.

***

Russell disappeared to his room and didnt come down till evening. Emily cooked stew, then sat at the kitchen table, lost in thought.

She wanted to stay here, with these kind people, yet understood shed already stretched their hospitality.

The hosts returned. Polly surveyed the spotless house with surprise. Alec appreciated the stew.

I suppose Id better head home, Emily said quietly. Thank you, truly.

Emily, stay a few more days! Polly insisted.

Thank you, Polly Hammond! Ill go home, Emily repeated.

She took a step toward the door but hesitated. Shed been wandering the house in borrowed slippers and a dressing gown since the afternoon before.

Come on! Polly led her to the sitting room.

She opened the wardrobe, mulling over clothes. Fished out jeans, a jumper, a warm winter coat.

Put these on. Were nearly the same size.

You really dont have to

You cant go home nearly naked! Just take themIve plenty.

Emily dressed. Secretly, she glanced in the mirror. Shed never worn such nice things before.

In the hall, Polly made her put on a woolly hat and winter boots.

Wear them in good health, Emily!

Thank you, Polly!

***

Life slipped back to old patterns. Or nearly. Mum found work at a local farm. Her boyfriend disappeared, taking his friend with him.

Spring arrived. One day, Emily was at home revising when someone knocked at the gate. She peeked out the window, in disbeliefit was Russell. He nodded, telling her to come out.

She sprinted instead.

Hello! Russell smiled.

Hi!

Mum wants a word with you.

***

She entered the familiar house where shed been so happy that day.

Hello, Emily! Polly greeted her on the doorstep and hugged her warmly.

Hello, Mrs Hammond! Emily replied.

Come in! Lets have some tea.

Polly poured Emily tea, sat down, and looked at her intently.

Ive got a favour to ask. My husband and I are flying to Turkey for a month, her eyes twinkled. Russells rarely home. Could you look after the house? Feed Jack and the cat, water all my flowers. There are loads.

Of course, Polly!

Brilliant. She handed Emily a stack of notes. Heres four hundred pounds.

Mrs Hammond, why?

Take ityouve earned it. Moneys not a worry. Come on, Ill show you everything!

Emily listened closely as Polly explained where the myriad pots and flower tubs were kept, the cupboard for cat food, and meat for Jack. Then Polly called out,

Russell! He emerged from his room immediately. Show Emily how to look after Jack!

Come on, Russell said, gently resting his hand on Emilys shoulder.

They walked Jack together. The whole walk, Russell chatted about uni, karate, and his dads business.

Emilys thoughts drifted elsewhere. She sensed that there was a gulf between her and Russell, just as thered always been between her mum and Russells parents. They were kind, generous people, but this was real life, not a fairy tale.

In two months, Ill take my college exams, I will pass. Ill study, work, and build myself up. Ill get married one day, but not to Russell. Hes wonderful in every way, but not meant for me.

Im grateful to Polly for the clothes and the four hundred pounds. Itll help me survive in the city when I go.

Emily realised, deep down, that at this moment her stormy childhood had finished. Adult life was here, no easier, but now everything depended on her.

They reached the house. Emily stroked Jack, smiled at Russell, and walked home. Tomorrow, shed start work at the cottage. Just honest work, nothing more.

And so, life taught her that kindness can open doors and generosity can help along the way, but in the end, it is our own strength, choices, and perseverance that shape who we become.