**Diary Entry A Helping Hand**
Granny gave the man bus fare. Later, uninvited guests arrived at her door.
Edith had spent her entire life as a schoolteacher, but her meagre pension forced her to sell vegetables at the market. Her son-in-law had moved on with a new wife, leaving her daughter, Lily, to return home with her little one. Edith did what she could to help.
«Mum, I hate putting this on you,» Lily sighed. «Youre always in the garden, then the marketyou should be resting.»
«Dont fret, love. While Ive got strength left, Ill help you and little Sophie. Besides, youve done half the weeding in two days! I couldnt manage alone,» Edith replied. «And Sophie needs new shoes for schoolshe cant turn up in those worn-out ones, can she?»
So they carried on, leaning on each other, believing better days would come. If only Lily had been ruthless, she wouldnt be struggling now.
One morning, Edith set off to market. Her spot was prime, drawing plenty of customerssomething the other vendors noticed, especially Marjorie, an old acquaintance. When Edith arrived, Marjorie had already taken her place.
«Sleeping in, were you? Sorry, love, but Ive set up now. Packing upll take an hour, so youll have to find somewhere else today,» Marjorie said, unapologetic.
Edith wasnt one for arguments. She moved nearby and laid out her produce. Her neighbour, Margaret, struck up a chat.
«Hows your son-in-law? Still gone?»
«Still gone,» Edith sighed. «Hes got his own life now.»
«Kids these daysno interest in family. My Toms the same, still running off hiking instead of settling down.»
Time passed quickly with idle talk. After lunch, a young man in shabby clothes wandered into the market.
«Blimey, hes fresh out,» Marjorie muttered, and the traders eyed him warily.
He approached Ediths stall, dug into his pockets, and asked, «Miss, havent got a penny to my name. Could I owe you for a couple of apples?»
«Take them, lad. No need to owe. Whats a strapping young man like you doing broke?»
«Just got out of a sticky situation, miss. Nothing violentjust a daft mistake. Ended up inside.»
«Couldnt your family help? Why travel alone?»
«Too ashamed to call. Wanted to surprise them.»
«How fars home?»
«Bristol.»
«Thats a fair trek.»
He stepped away briefly. Near the market was the train station, and Edith watched him talking to a driver before returning.
«Miss, lend me a bit, please? Otherwise, Ill never make it home. I swear Ill pay you back.»
«How much?»
«Twenty quid.»
Under the other vendors stunned stares, Edith handed him the note.
«Cant have you walking all that way.»
«Thank you, miss! Im Patrickwhats your name?»
«Edith.»
«God bless you, Edith!» He hurried off toward the bus.
«Youre daft, Edith! Youll never see that money again!» Margaret huffed.
«Weve got to help each other. Were not savages.»
«That ones no better than an animal. A convicts a convict anywhere!»
Edith waved her off and packed up.
By the weekend, Lily was down with fever. Edith gathered herbs from the garden, doing what she could. Little Sophie tugged her sleeve, whispering, «Granny, read me a story?»
«Of course, sweetheart.»
Rain pattered outside as Lily set the table. The family sat down to supper whena knock at the door.
They exchanged glances. No one was expected.
«May I?» A well-dressed man stepped inside. Edith squintedthen gasped.
«Patrick?»
«The very same, Edith. Apologies for the delaylifes been chaotic.»
«Wouldnt have recognised you if not for those eyes! Look at yousuit, clean-shaven. Quite the gentleman!»
«Join us for supper,» Lily offered shyly.
Over the meal, Patrick shared his storywrongly sentenced, three years lost.
«Back as head of the clinic now, though. If you ever need anything, come by.» He glanced at Lily.
A week later, a familiar car pulled up outside. Patrick stepped out, flowers in hand.
«Lily, look! Your beaus here,» Edith called through the curtain. «Reckon well have a wedding soon?»
«Well then,» Lily laughed, hugging Sophie close. «Seems our streets celebrating after all.»
**Lesson:** Kindness often finds its way backsometimes in ways we never expect.
