He Staggered Through the Nighttime Streets of London, Swaying Heavily After a Generous Helping of Spirits. Where Did He End Up? He Couldn’t Care Less—This Was His Hometown, and His Feet Would Lead Him Home. He Was Engrossed in a Far More Important Matter: Philosophizing Aloud.

He wandered through the night-time streets of Manchester, swaying noticeably after a fair few pints at the local. Where hed ended up didnt really matter. This was his hometownhis feet would eventually take him home. Now, his mind was on loftier things, mulling over lifes questions aloud.

Why why does my life turn out like this? he muttered. Im twenty-sevenmy mates have kids at school, and as for me? Even the keenest girl is gone within a month, if Im lucky. Am I rude? Maybe… no. Actually, yeah, I am a bit. But thats how a mans meant to be, isnt it? He gave a wry smile. Business, thats the only thing thats panned out for me. Not exactly rolling in millions, but I do alright.

Suddenly, he stopped, clutching his head as tears welled up in his eyes.

Spent so much money on that so-called top doctor and all he said was Im sorry, theres nothing I can do. Heres an address of a specialist in Londonbut I doubt hell help either. He sniffed. Well, tomorrow Ill just see what this specialist can do.

He wandered over to a bridge, staring down at the inky water below.

Should I just chuck myself in? Rivers deep enoughall over in a minute. He looked again. Nah, not tonight. Too cold and Socrates still needs feeding. Ill go home.

He started across the bridge and noticed a young woman in the middle. She looked barely out of her teens, a baby tucked to her chest in a carrier. She stood at the rail, gazing at the water, then climbed onto the edge with outstretched arms. Without thinking, he bolted over to her, grabbed her round the waist and hauled her back, both landing heavily on the pavement as the baby began to cry.

Are you mad? he yelled, already sobering up.

Whats it to you? Why dont you just mind your own business? she sobbed.

Guess I thought it was a bit soon to die, he nodded toward the baby. And its far too soon for him. Come on, up you get and head home to your husband or your mum. Whoever youve got.

I havent got a husband, no homeand my mums dead. Ive got no one! she said, standing shakily.

Brilliant, just what I needed, he muttered, helping her up. Come on.

Im not going anywhere with you. For all I know, youre some kind of nutcase!

If you want to jump in the river, no ones stopping you. But afraid of a nutcase? Thats where you draw the line? He grabbed her hand. Lets go!

***

They made their way through the citys empty streets to the background of a crying baby. Eventually, he snapped.

Whys he always crying?

Hes hungry, the woman replied, holding the baby close.

Then feed him.

I havent got any milk. Or money.

Or common sense, he grumbled, glancing around. Theres a 24-hour shop. Lets get some milk.

***

The cashier and security guard eyed them warily as they walked in. Without hesitating, he grabbed a basket and signalled for her to follow.

Right, show me where the milk is, he asked the cashier.

Over there, she replied.

They went to the fridge.

Take the one you need, he told her.

Thisll do, she said, picking up a small carton.

Get more. However much you need. Just take it. He waited as she loaded several into the basket. What else?

Nappies.

Nappies what are those?

She gave a tiny smile and pointed down the aisle.

Get some.

And baby wipes?

Fine.

At the register, he offered his card.

Sorry, cash only, the cashier said.

He pulled out a crumpled wad of £20 notes, handed one over.

No change, sorry.

Give me some chocolate then. That one. He jabbed a finger at the counter.

***

They arrived at his tidy flat. The woman looked around, surprised. He kicked off his shoes, grabbed a bit of fish and threw it to the eager tabby, then pulled out a carton of juice and drank greedily. After a long gulp, he turned to her.

Youll sleep in this room, he said, pointing round. Kitchen, loo, and bathroom. Im off to bed. He headed for his room but paused. Whats your name?

Elspeth.

Im Robert.

***

Well, he doesnt seem like a murderer at least, Elspeth thought as she flicked on the kitchen light and put the kettle on. What a fool I am! I almost threw myself in the river. If Robert hadnt shown up What would I have done with Charlie out in the cold all night? Hell probably kick us out in the morning, but at least were warm tonight.

The kettle boiled. She hurried to the room, settled the baby on the bed, dug a little bottle from her rucksack, then raced back to the kitchen to clean it, pour the milk and add some boiling water.

Charlie gulped down his supper and drifted off. She wiped his face with a baby wipe, put a fresh nappy on, and tucked him in. After washing and using the loo, she realised she was starving. She opened the fridge, grabbed a thick slice of smoked ham, crammed it in her mouth, and sliced off some bread, ham, and cheese.

Once her hunger eased, she realised shed probably been a bit rude. She shrugged, curled up next to Charlie, and was asleep in moments.

***

Morning. Shed got up twice in the night to feed Charlieat eight months he was always hungry. She heard Robert up and about, too. Now, he was clattering about in the kitchen.

Time to go, she thought, quietly dressing so she wouldnt wake her son. Good things never last.

She found Robert at the hob.

Sit down, he said, nodding at the chair. Ill do scrambled eggs.

No, you sit, she insisted, gently moving him aside. She chopped up some fresh parsley, sprinkled it over the eggs, and made coffee.

Robert was on the phone the whole timegiving orders, raising his voicebarely seeming to notice her. He finished his breakfast and coffee, stood.

Elspeth tensed, uncertain.

Here it comes. Hes going to throw us out.

Elspeth, listen up. Im away for a week. Feed the cat, he nodded at the tabby. His names Socrates. Dont even think about giving him supermarket cat foodhe only eats fresh fish or meat. And dont go in my study. Do what you like everywhere else.

At that moment, Charlie began to cry from the other room. Elspeth scrambled up, glancing at Robert.

Go on, he nodded.

Five minutes later, she returned with Charlie in her arms. On the table sat a pile of crisp £20 notes.

That should keep you going for a week, Robert said with a nod. Im off.

Hed just reached the door when Charlie reached out, gurgling what sounded almost like da-da. Maybe Robert imagined it, but something twisted in his chest; he knew hed never have children of his own.

Elspeth is it alright if I hold him? he asked, surprising himself.

Of course. She smiled, handing Charlie over. Youve never held a baby before?

No.

Heres how you do it.

Charlie giggled, flapping his arms happily, and Robert stared, fascinated.

Ill never have a son, he thought gloomily, his hands reluctantly passing Charlie back to Elspeth.

Then he left.

***

As Robert made his way home a week later, all the specialists in London had confirmedno children, ever. His mood was black.

Whats the point? he thought, trudging along. All this money, a four-bedroom flat, that new Land Roverwhat for? Mans meant to earn for his family. My place is always a mess, and theres seven seats in that car, never filled.

He unlocked the door and stopped in surprise. The flat was spotless. Elspeth greeted him with an apologetic smile.

Da-da! Little hands reached out as Charlies voice rang through the hallway.

Roberts bag clattered to the floor. His arms opened before hed even thought; he scooped Charlie up, feeling a rush hed never expected.

In that moment, Robert understood: sometimes family isnt what you imagined, and sometimes it chooses you. Real happiness isnt in the money you spend, but in the love you share.