Grandma gave the man money for the bus. Later, uninvited guests arrived at her home.
Mabel had worked as a schoolteacher all her life, but now she was forced to sell vegetables at the market because her pension was so small. Her son-in-law had moved his new wife into the flat, and her daughter had returned home to Mabel with her child. Mabel did what she could to help.
«Mum, I feel awful youre doing this for us. Youre out in the garden or at the market all day,» Emma said. «You should be resting.»
«Dont you worry, love. While Ive still got the strength, Ill help you and little Lucy. Youve both been a godsendhalf the garden weeded in just a couple of days! Id never have managed alone,» Mabel replied. «And Lucy needs new shoes for school. She cant turn up in those worn-out ones, can she?»
And so they carried on, helping each other through it all. They held onto hope that one day, their luck would turn. Of course, if Emma could just «get ahead in life,» she wouldnt be struggling like this.
One morning, Mabel set off to the market. Her usual spot was a good one, always busy with customers. But others had noticed tooamong them, an old acquaintance, Lydia, whod once known Mabel from her teaching days. And wouldnt you know it, Lydia had taken Mabels spot.
«Had a lie-in, did you? Sorry, love, but Ive nabbed your spot. Takes me an hour to set up, and another to pack away, so youll have to find somewhere else today,» Lydia said sharply.
Mabel wasnt one for arguments. She moved a little farther down, laying out her produce. As it happened, her old neighbour Tanya was selling nearby.
«Hows your son-in-law? Still not back?» Tanya asked.
«Not a chance,» Mabel sighed. «Hes off living his own life now.»
«Young people these daysno interest in family or children. Just want to live for themselves. My lads the same, still not married, always off hiking in the hills,» Tanya grumbled.
The day passed quickly with chatter. After lunch, a young man in shabby clothes wandered into the market.
«Blimey, looks like hes done time,» Lydia muttered, and the other traders shot nervous glances his way.
The man approached Mabels stall. He dug into his pockets, empty-handed, and asked, «Miss, I havent got a penny to my name. Any chance I could get a couple of apples on tick?»
«Go on, take them,» Mabel said with a shrug. «Whats a strapping lad like you doing without money?»
«Just got out of, well, not the most pleasant place,» he admitted. «Dont worry, Im no killer. Just got mixed up in something stupid when I was younger.»
«Family cant help you out? Why travel alone?»
«Got some, but didnt want to ring them. Fancied surprising them.»
«Long way to go?»
«Manchester.»
«Thats a fair distance!»
The ex-con stepped away briefly. Near the market was the bus station, and Mabel saw him talking to a driver before he returned.
«Miss, lend us a bit, would you? Otherwise, Ill never make it home. I swear Ill pay you back once Im on my feet,» he pleaded, giving her a desperate look.
«How much dyou need?»
«Twenty quid.»
Under the stunned gazes of the other traders, Mabel handed him a crisp note.
«Cant have you walking all that way. Here.»
«Thank you, truly! Ill pay you backmy word on it,» he said gratefully. «Names Paul. Whats yours?»
«Mabel.»
«Thank you, Mabel!» With that, he hurried off toward the bus.
«You daft woman! Youll never see that money again!» Tanya huffed.
«People ought to help each other. Were not animals,» Mabel replied.
«That ones no better than an animal. A cons a con, no matter where hes from!»
Mabel waved her off and started packing up.
By the weekend, Emma had come down with a fever. Mabel gathered herbs from the garden, treating her daughter as best she could.
That evening, little Lucy came running in with a book, tugging at Mabels sleeve.
«Grandma, will you read me a story?»
«Of course, love,» Mabel said, stroking her hair.
Outside, rain began to fall. As the fire crackled in the hearth, Emma set the table for supper. The family was about to eat when suddenlya knock at the door.
They exchanged glances. They werent expecting anyone!
«Hello?» A stranger stepped inside. Mabel looked closelythen recognised him.
«Paul?»
«Thats right, Mabel. Sorry it took me so long to repay you. Things have been complicated.»
«I barely recognised you!» Mabel laughed. «Look at youproper suit, clean-shaven! Like a different man.»
«Join us for supper,» Emma offered shyly.
Over the meal, Paul told them his storyhow hed been wrongly sentenced to three years inside.
«Back at the hospital now, running the department. If you ever need anything, just come by,» he finished, glancing at Emma with interest.
A week later, a familiar car pulled up outside Mabels house. Out stepped Paul, carrying a huge bouquet.
«Love, look out the window! Your young mans here,» Mabel called, peeking through the curtain. «Reckon theres a wedding coming?»
«Well, what dyou know?» Emma laughed, hugging little Lucy close. Paul stepped inside, cheeks flushed, holding out the flowers with a nervous smile. «These are for you, Emma. And… I was wondering if you’d have dinner with me sometime?» Lucy clapped her hands, bouncing on her toes, while Mabel stirred the soup a little slower, her eyes misty. The rain had stopped, leaving the garden fresh and glistening, and for the first time in years, the house felt full not just with people, but with promise.
