Homeless

So, Kate had reached a point where she truly had nowhere to go. I mean absolutely nowhere She sort of thought, A couple nights at the railway station and then what? And then it hit her: the allotment! How did she forget? Although, honestly, calling it an allotment was generousit was more of a ramshackle old shed. But still, it sounded better than sleeping on the station benches, so off she went.
Once she sat down in the train carriage, she pressed herself against the chilly window and closed her eyes. All sorts of harsh memories flooded back. Two years ago, she lost her parentssuddenly on her own, no family, no support. She couldnt afford uni anymore, so she dropped out and started working at the local market.
After all that, Kate finally caught a break, and soon met someone special. Will, her new boyfriend, seemed kind and decent. Within a couple months, they had a small, quiet wedding.
Things were looking up But life hadnt finished testing her yet. Will coaxed her to sell her parents flat in the city centre and launch a business. He painted everything so brightly, Kate didnt doubt him for a secondshe truly believed he was doing the right thing and that, soon enough, theyd no longer struggle with money. She thought, Once were settled, maybe we can think about having a baby. Id love to become a mum soon! She was so hopeful.
But Wills business flopped. Endless rows over wasted money wore down their relationship. Not long after, Will brought another girl home and told Kate to leave.
Her first thought was to call the police, but then she realisedshe couldnt accuse him of anything. She herself had sold the flat, handed Will the cash
***
Stepping off the train, Kate wandered alone along the deserted platform. It was early spring, not yet the season for allotments. The plot had grown wild and was in a dreadful state after three years of neglect. Still, she thought, Ill tidy things up and itll be alright, even though she knew deep down things would never be the same.
Kate found the key easily, right where it had always been under the porch, but the wooden door had sagged and wouldnt budge. She tried with all her strength, but no luck. Defeated, she sat herself on the steps and burst into tears.
Suddenly, she noticed smoke and heard some noise from the neighbouring allotment. Glad to see someone around, she ran over.
Aunty Ruth! Are you home? she called out.
Instead, she spotted a scruffy older man in the yard, tending a small fire heating water in a dirty mug. Kate frozescared and caught off guard.
Who are you? Wheres Aunty Ruth? she asked, backing away.
Dont be frightened, he answered. And please, dont ring the police. I mean no harm, just living here in the yard not breaking in.
To her surprise, the mans voice was gentle, educated even.
Are you homeless? Kate asked bluntly.
Yes, youre right, he replied quietly, avoiding her gaze. You live nearby, do you? Dont worry, I wont bother you.
Whats your name?
Michael.
And your middle name? Kate pressed.
Middle name? He looked puzzled. John.
She studied Michael John. His clothes were worn but fairly clean, and overall, he seemed decently looked after.
Im not sure who to turn to for help Kate sighed.
Whats happened? he asked gently.
The doors gone wonky I just cant get it open.
If you dont mind, I can take a look, the man offered.
Id be really grateful! Kate said, desperate.
While Michael fiddled with the door, Kate sat on a bench pondering about him: Who am I to judge or look down on him? Im homeless tooour situations arent so different
Kate, all sorted! Michael John grinned, pushing the door open. Are you planning to stay overnight?
Well, yes where else? Kate replied, surprised.
Is there any heating in the house?
Theres a wood stove, I think Kate admitted, feeling hopelessshe didnt have a clue about any of it.
Alright. And firewood?
No idea, Kate shrugged.
Not to worry. You head inside, Ill sort something out, Michael said confidently, heading back out.
Kate spent about an hour cleaning. The place was freezing cold, damp and uninviting. She felt defeated, wondering how shed manage living there. Soon enough, Michael returned with wood. Oddly enough, Kate was relieved to have a friendly soul close by.
Michael cleaned out the stove and got it going. Within an hour, the house felt warm.
Right! The stoves good and hot now, just keep adding a bit of wood here and there, but let it die down before bed. The warmth will last till morning, he explained.
And youoff to the neighbours? Kate asked.
Yes. Forgive me for staying on their plot. Im not keen on going back to London Dont want to stir up old memories.
Michael John, wait. Lets have supper and a cup of tea first, then you can head off, Kate insisted.
He didnt object. Silently, he took off his jacket and sat by the stove.
Sorry for asking so much, Kate began. Its just you dont seem at all like a typical homeless person. Why are you living rough? Wheres your homeyour family?
Michael John shared that hed taught at university all his life. He dedicated his youth to work and loved his science, but old age crept in quietly. By the time he realised he was completely alone, it was too late to change things.
About a year ago, his niece started visiting. She gently hinted shed support him if he left her his flat in the will. Of course, he was glad and agreed.
Later, Helen (his niece) gained his trust and suggested selling his flat in the stuffy part of town for a nice house in the suburbs, with a big garden and a cosy patio. Shed already found a good deal.
Michael had always dreamed of fresh country air and quiet, so he agreed on the spot. After selling the flat, Helen proposed opening a bank account for the money instead of carrying it around.
Uncle Mike, you rest on the bench; Ill see whats what inside and take the bagjust in case someones watching us, she said at the bank entrance.
Helen vanished inside with the money. He waited, one hour, two, three she didnt return. When Michael finally went inside, he found the bank empty, with another exit at the back.
Michael John couldnt believe someone in his own family could deceive him so cruelly. He sat waiting for Helen. Next day, he went to her flat, where a stranger told him Helen had moved ages agoshe sold the place two years prior
Not the cheeriest tale Michael sighed. Thats how I ended up on the streets. Still cant believe I dont have a home anymore.
Yeah, wow. I thought it was just me My storys pretty similar, Kate replied, and she told Michael everything.
Its all rotten, but at least Ive lived my life. Youre so youngyou left uni, lost your flat but dont lose hope. Every problems fixable. Youve got time; things will get better, he tried to comfort her.
Lets stop with all this gloom, shall we? Dinners ready! Kate smiled.
She watched as Michael eagerly tucked into his pasta and sausages. She felt a pang of pityhe was obviously lonely and vulnerable.
How awful, being totally alone, out on the streets, feeling like nobody cares, Kate thought.
Kate, maybe I could help you get back into university. Ive got some good mates there. I reckon you could get a scholarship, Michael suddenly said. Of course, I cant go to my old colleagues looking like this, but Ill write a letter to the deanyou can meet him, his names Simon, a close friend of mine. Hell help, for sure.
Thank you, thatd be amazing! Kate said, delighted.
Thanks for the meal and for listening. Best be offgetting late, Michael said, rising.
Hold on. Where will you go? Kate whispered.
Dont worryIve got a warm shelter on the next plot. Ill look in on you tomorrow, Michael smiled.
No need to sleep rough. Ive got three big roomsyou can have whichever you like. Honestly, Im nervous staying here alone. That stove scares me and I havent a clue what to do. You wont leave me in the lurch, right?
No, I wont, Michael replied, seriously.
***
Two years later Kate had passed her exams brilliantly, looking forward to summer holidays, and headed home. She still visited the allotment regularly, though she lived in halls most of the year.
Hello! she greeted happily, hugging Grandpa Mike.
Kate, my dear! Why didnt you ring? Id have picked you up at the station. Well, did you pass? he beamed.
Yes! Nearly all distinctions! Kate boasted. I brought a cake. Put the kettle onlets celebrate!
Kate and Michael John sat, drinking tea and catching up.
Ive planted grapes. Look, Ill build a little patio over thereitll be comfy and lovely, Michael shared.
Thats brilliant! Actually, youre the one in charge here. Do whatever you want. I just pop in and out anyway, Kate laughed.
Michael had completely changed now. He was no longer alone. He had a home, and a granddaughterKate. And Kate had got her life back. Michael John became family to her. She was grateful that fate had sent her someone who replaced her parents and stood by her in her toughest hour.