Homeless on the Streets of London

HOMELESS
Emma has nowhere left to go. Truly, nowhere at all I suppose I could sleep at the train station for a couple of nights. But then what? Suddenly, a saving thought strikes her: The cottage! How could I forget? Well calling it a cottage is generous. It’s really more of a tumbledown shed. Still, its better to head there than stay at the station, Emma thinks aloud.
She boards the train, leans against the cold window, and shuts her eyes. Painful memories wash over her. Two years ago, Emma lost her parents, left completely alone, with no one to lean on. She couldnt afford university fees, so had to drop out and work at the local market.
Luck finally smiled, and soon she found love. William was kind and decent. After two months, they had a simple wedding.
Life seemed to be looking up but it was only the beginning of another ordeal for Emma. William suggested selling Emmas parents flat in the city centre, to start a business.
His plan sounded so convincing, Emma didn’t doubt him for a moment. She was certain William was doing whats best, and that soon theyd escape financial worries. Once were settled, I can think about becoming a mum. I long for it! she dreamed, naïvely.
But the business failed, and constant arguments over wasted money quickly strained their marriage. Soon, William brought another woman home, and told Emma to leave.
Her first impulse was to call the police, but then she realised there was nothing to accuse him of. She herself had sold the flat and handed the money to William
***
Emma walked alone along the deserted platform after leaving the station. Early spring had arrived; the gardening season hadnt begun. In three years, the plot had become overgrown and dilapidated. Never mind, Ill tidy it up. Everything will be back to normal, she thought, knowing nothing would truly be the same again.
She found the key under the porch easily enough, but the wooden door had sagged and refused to budge. Emma tried everything to force it open, but it was no good. She sat at the porch and burst out crying.
Suddenly, she saw smoke rising and heard sounds at the neighbouring plot. Glad there were people around, Emma hurried over.
Aunt Molly! Are you home? she called.
Standing in the yard was an unkempt elderly man. Emma froze in shock and fear. The stranger was tending a small fire, heating water in a grimy mug.
Who are you? Wheres Aunt Molly? Emma asked, stepping back.
No need to fear. And please, dont call the police. Im not causing trouble. I dont go insidejust live out here…
The mans voice was unexpectedly pleasant, educateda cultured baritone.
Are you homeless? Emma asked bluntly.
Yes, youre right, he replied quietly, avoiding her gaze. Do you live nearby? Dont worry, I wont bother you.
Whats your name?
Michael.
What about your surname? Emma pressed.
Surname? he asked, surprised. Frederick.
Emma looked closely at Michael Frederick. Though his clothes were worn, they were fairly clean. He was reasonably tidy himself.
I dont know who to turn to Emma sighed heavily.
Whats happened? asked the man with concern.
The door’s sagged I cant open it.
If you let me, Ill take a look, the homeless man suggested.
Id be grateful! she said, desperate.
While Michael worked on the lock, Emma sat on the bench and pondered about him: Who am I to look down on or judge him? After all, Im homeless now toowere in the same boat
Emma, all set! said Michael Frederick with a smile, pushing the door open. Waitare you planning to stay here overnight?
Well yes, where else? Emma replied, surprised.
Is there heating?
There should be a stove Emma trailed off, realising she had no idea.
Alright. Any firewood? he asked.
I dont know, Emma admitted, downcast.
Never mind. Go inside, Ill sort something out, the man declared, heading off.
Emma spent an hour cleaning inside. The place was cold, damp, and unwelcoming. She felt miserable, unsure how she could live there. Soon, Michael Frederick returned with firewood. To her own surprise, Emma was glad there was someone nearby, even one soul.
He cleaned the stove a little and got it going. In an hour, the house was warm.
All sorted! Keep stoking the stove now and then, and let it burn out overnight. Dont worry, itll stay warm til morning, Michael explained.
And where will you goneighbours place? Emma asked.
Yes. Dont judge me, Ill be staying at their plot for a bit. I dont want to head back to town cant bear to revisit old memories.
Michael Frederick, wait. Lets have supper, some hot tea, and then you can go, Emma said firmly.
He didnt object, quietly took off his coat, and sat by the stove.
Sorry if Im prying, Emma began, but you dont seem like a typical tramp. Why live outdoors? Wheres your home, your family?
Michael Frederick told her hed been a lecturer at university all his life, dedicated to his work and science. Old age crept up unnoticed. When he realised he was entirely alone in his later years, it was too late to change anything.
A year ago, his niece started visiting. She hinted shed help him if he left her his flat in his will. Of course, Michael agreed.
Then Chloe, his niece, gained his trust. She suggested selling the cramped city flat and buying a nice house in the suburbs, big garden, cosy summerhouseshed already found the perfect place for a bargain price.
Michael had always dreamed of peace and open air. So, without hesitation, he agreed. After the sale, Chloe suggested opening a bank account, so he wouldnt keep such a large sum on him.
Uncle Mike, have a seat on the bench. Ill go sort things out. Ill take the bagjust in case anyones watching, she said at the bank entrance.
Chloe vanished with the bag. Michael waited an hour, then two, then three She never returned. Inside, the bank was empty, there was a side exit.
He could hardly believe his own family could betray him so cruelly. He sat on the bench, waiting for Chloe. Next day, he went to her home. A stranger opened the door, explaining Chloe hadnt lived there for agesshed sold the flat two years earlier…
Thats my sad story Michael Frederick sighed. Since then Ive lived on the streets. I still cant believe I no longer have a home
Oh! I thought I was the only one My situations similar, Emma admitted, telling him everything.
Its tough. At least Ive lived my life And you? Left uni, lost your flat But dont lose heart, every problem can be solved. Youre young, everything will work out, Michael tried to reassure her.
Lets not dwell on the sad stuff. Dinners ready! Emma smiled.
Emma watched Michael eat pasta and sausages with appetite. She felt deeply sorry for him; it was clear he was lonely and vulnerable.
How dreadful, to end up completely alone, on the streets, knowing nobody cares about you, thought Emma.
Emma, I can help you re-enrol at university. I still have good friends there. Im sure you can get a place on a bursary, Michael said unexpectedly. Of course, I cant show up looking like this. Ill write to the Deanmy old friend, David. Hell help for sure.
Thank you. Thatd be wonderful! Emma exclaimed.
Thanks for supper, and for listening. Ill be off, its late, Michael said, getting up.
Wait. It isnt rightwhere will you go? Emma whispered.
Dont worry. Ive got a warm shelter on the neighbours plot. Ill visit you tomorrow, Michael smiled.
No need to sleep outside. Ive three roomy bedroomsyou can take whichever you like. Truth is, Im scared to be alone, especially with that stove I dont understand. You wont leave me in trouble, will you?
No. I wont, Michael said seriously.
***
Two years pass Emma has just finished her exams, excited for the summer holiday. Shes still living at the cottage. Well, she lives in the halls during term-time, and spends weekends and breaks here.
Hello! she says cheerfully, hugging Grandpa Mike.
Emma! My darling! Why didnt you ring? Id have met you at the station. Well? How were the exams? Michael beams.
Brilliant! Nearly all top marks! Emma boasts. Look, I bought a cake. Put the kettle onlets celebrate!
Emma and Michael Frederick drink tea together, sharing their news.
I planted some grape vines. Over there, Ill build a summerhouse. Itll be lovely and cosy, Michael says.
Thats wonderful! Honestly, youre the real master heredo whatever you want. I just pop in and out Emma laughs.
Michael is completely transformed now. He isnt lonely anymore. He has a home, a granddaughterEmma. She too has found life again. Michael Frederick is family now. Emma is grateful fate brought her Grandpasomeone to replace her parents and support her in her darkest times.