**Diary Entry A Lesson in Kindness**
Gran gave a man money for the bus. Later that evening, unexpected guests turned up at her door.
Grace had spent her life as a schoolteacher, but now, with her measly pension, she had to sell vegetables at the market. Her son-in-law had moved on with a new wife, and her daughter, Emily, had returned home with her little girl. Grace did what she could to help.
«Mum, I feel awful. Youre out in the garden or at the market all dayyou should be resting,» Emily said.
«Dont worry, love. While Ive still got the strength, Ill help you and little Lily. Youve done your part toohalf the weeding in two days! Id never manage alone,» Grace replied. «And Lily needs new shoes for school. She cant turn up in those worn-out ones, can she?»
Thats how they got byhelping each other, believing better days would come. If only Emily didnt have to struggle alone.
One morning, Grace headed to the market. Her spot was prime, drawing plenty of customersenough to catch the eye of other sellers, including an old acquaintance, Margaret. Before Grace knew it, Margaret had taken her usual pitch.
«Overslept, did you? Sorry, but Ive set up now. Packing will take an hour, unpacking anotherbest find somewhere else today,» Margaret said, smirking.
Grace wasnt one for arguments. She moved nearby and laid out her produce. A neighbour, Martha, struck up a chat.
«Hows your son-in-law? Still gone?»
«Still gone,» Grace sighed. «Hes got his own life now.»
«Young ones these daysno interest in family or children. My lads the same, always off hiking, never settling down.»
Time passed quickly as they talked. After lunch, a scruffy young man wandered into the market.
«Been inside, have you?» Margaret sneered, and the other stallholders stiffened.
The man approached Graces stall, dug into his pockets, and asked, «Auntie, Im skint. Could I owe you for a couple of apples?»
«Take them, love. Whys a lad like you penniless?» She shrugged.
«Been away, auntienot exactly on holiday. Dont worry, Im no murderer. Just acted a fool, ended up inside.»
«Family cant help?»
«Could, but Id rather surprise them. Didnt want to call.»
«How fars home?»
«Manchester.»
«Thats a trek!»
He wandered off briefly, chatting to a bus driver near the station before returning.
«Auntie, lend me a bit, wont you? Otherwise, Ill never get home. Ill pay you backswear it.»
«How much?»
«Fifty quid.»
Ignoring the shocked glances of the others, Grace handed him the money.
«Cant have you walking, can we?»
«Thank you! Im Paulwhats your name?»
«Grace.»
«Cheers, Grace!» He hurried off to catch his bus.
«You daft woman! Youll never see that cash again!» Martha huffed.
«Weve got to help each other. Were not animals.»
«But he is! An ex-cons still an ex-con!»
Grace waved her off and packed up for the day.
By the weekend, Emily was laid up with fever. Grace brewed her remedies from garden herbs, tending to her as best she could. That evening, Lily tugged at her sleeve, clutching a storybook.
«Grandma, read to me?»
«Of course, sweetheart.» Grace smiled, stroking her hair.
Rain tapped at the windows as Emily set the table. The fire crackled in the hearth, warmth filling the room. Thena knock at the door.
They glanced at each other. No one was expected.
«Evening,» said the stranger stepping inside. Grace squintedthen recognized him.
«Paul?»
«Thats me, Grace. Sorry it took so long to repay you. Lifes been complicated.»
«Wouldnt have known you! Look at yousuit, clean-shaven! Proper gent now.»
«Join us for supper,» Emily offered shyly.
Over the meal, Paul explained his storythree years inside, wrongfully convicted.
«Back as a hospital manager now, so if you ever need anything, come by the clinic,» he finished, his gaze lingering on Emily.
A week later, a familiar car pulled up outside. Paul stepped out, a bouquet in hand.
«Emilylook out the window! Your beaus here,» Grace teased, peeking through the curtain. «Wedding bells soon?»
«So it seems! Guess our streets finally seen some joy,» Emily laughed, hugging Lily close.
**Lesson learned:** A kindness given without expectation often finds its way backsometimes when you least expect it.
