Im a bit of a mess, and Im spilling everything out here because I live on the street. My fiftyyearold friend Natalie Cooper has, for the most part, got exactly what she wanted. She rose to become director of a sizeable firm, raised a daughter and saw her married off. She owns a plush flat in London, drives a sleek car, and has a decent husband whos often away on lengthy business trips. Unfortunately, she hardly sees her daughter these days; they live far apart. By all accounts shes achieved what she set out for, yet there are moments when she feels terribly lonely.
Natalie has one small weakness. Not far from her office theres a modest café that serves the best doughnuts and a proper cup of tea. When her mind needs a break, she drifts in there.
For a few days she watches a little girl, about six or seven, with cheeky pigtails, hanging around the café. The child either wipes a cars headlights for a few pennies or simply begs, but she never eats the treats she receives; she stuffs them into a paper bag and scurries off.
Natalie keeps an eye on the girl for a week, then decides to follow her. The child wanders to a charred house and slips into the remains of a burnt-out hallway. Natalie follows. On a small mattress lies a young woman, struggling to breathe. The little girl crouches down and says, Mum, open your eyes Ive brought you something to eat.
The woman coughs hoarsely. Natalie steps behind the child.
Do you live here? she asks.
Who are you? the girl replies.
My names Natalie Cooper, but you can call me Aunt Nat. Whats yours? And your mothers?
Im Emily, and my mum is Helen. Shes very ill, and I bring her food, but she hasnt eaten anything for two days.
Natalie moves closer, feels the womans forehead, and instantly knows whats wrong. She pulls out her mobile and calls an ambulance.
Oh Aunt Nat, theyll take me away from Mum. I dont want to end up in a childrens home.
Who told you that? While your mum recovers, you can stay with me.
Will they scold you for having me, saying Im dirty?
No, they wont.
The ambulance arrives, Helen is whisked to the hospital, and Natalie and Emily head back to the café. After a generous helping of doughnuts they hop into Natalies car. Emily settles in the back seat. Not even a mile down the road she dozes off.
Thinking it over, Natalie drives to the shopping centre. While Emily sleeps, she darts through the stores, buying groceries, a few outfits for the little girl, and heads back to the car.
Emily still snoozes. As they near the flat, she wakes.
Right, Emily, were here. Lets go in.
Inside the flat, Emily lingers at the door.
Why arent you coming in?
Im filthy, Ill make a mess.
Nonsense. Well fix that. Slip off your shoes and follow me.
Natalie leads her to a large bath, fills it with warm water, blows bubbles, and helps Emily settle in. The child giggles, splashing happily among the suds. Natalie drapes a big terry towel over her, then lifts her out, wraps her snugly, and carries her to the bedroom. Emily is light as a feather, reminding Natalie of her own daughter as a child. After a quick dry, they try on the new clothes, Emily admiring herself in the fulllength mirror.
Aunt Nat, do I look pretty?
Absolutely stunning. Choose what you like, then well whip up dinner.
Once everythings ready, they sit down, eat, and tidy up together. Emily does her best to help.
The next morning they visit Helen in the hospital. She looks considerably better, a faint spark of life returning to her face. Leaving Emily with her mother, Natalie steps into the doctors office.
Doctor, whats her condition?
Thank heavens, no infection. Shes got a bad chest cold, bronchitis, and severe wasting. Shell need at least two weeks here.
Natalie returns to the ward, finds Helen asleep, and quietly slips out with Emily. They decide to stop by a local shop for some extra supplies and a few treats for Helen. Emily wanders the aisles wideeyed, gazing at the displays without asking for anything. When she spots a plush bear, she gently strokes it, sighs, and moves on. Natalie spots the bear, buys it, and hands it to Emily.
This one for me? Thanks a lot. Its perfect the best present I could ask for.
That evening Emily falls asleep clutching the bear, rubbing its head in her dreams.
The following day they return to the hospital with a few goodies. Natalie sits with Helen and asks, Helen, how did you and your child end up here? Wheres your home, your family?
Helen pauses, then tells her story.
Ive got no one. Im an orphan. After leaving the orphanage they gave me a tiny flat the one you found us in. I went to college, and on my way home I tripped, fell, and hurt myself. A handsome lad helped me up, I fell for him straight away. He courted me, and later I discovered I was pregnant.
He sighed, agreed to let me stay in his flat, but never proposed. When Emily was born, he refused to put his name on the birth certificate. I worked as a cleaner and dishwasher, while he kept bringing friends over, never wanting me to meet his parents. When Emily turned three I wanted a job, but he barred me, shouting that the house must stay spotless. I didnt know what to do, but I endured for my daughter.
Then a fire destroyed my flat, the landlords family showed up and threw us out, saying we had no rights. With no money left, we returned to that burntout building. A storm broke, I tried to cover us with anything I could, got soaked and frozen. Each day grew harder, and I feared for Emily. I thought I could die alone, but then I heard your voice, felt your warmth, and it gave me hope. After that, everythings a blur.
Natalie clasps Helens hand.
Dont worry, love. While youre in hospital, Emily will stay with me. Well sort out a place for you both, and Ill head off soon.
Leaving the ward, Natalie drives to the countryside where her dear old friend Aunt Kate lives Kate Thompson, the closest surviving relative of Natalies late mother. On the way she picks up a few treats, pulls up to Kates gate, and is greeted warmly.
Oh dear, look whos here! My little girl has arrived. Come in, have a cup of tea, and tell me whats happened. I can see theres a story to hear.
They sit down, and Natalie recounts everything. Kate sighs.
Oh my God, the poor things. No one wants them. What can we do?
I was wondering if you could rent a room to them. Id pay every month.
Youre joking, arent you? Im on my own, my son passed years ago. Id be glad to have them stay.
They agree. Two weeks later Natalie brings Helen and Emily to Kates cottage. Kate has already baked pies, laid out fresh linens, and prepared a room with boxes of gifts for both women. Helen opens a box, sits on the edge of the bed, and bursts into tears.
Sweetheart, whats wrong? Does it hurt?
What have I done? God, I never expected this. You and Kate are the only ones whove shown me kindness.
Just settle here, become my granddaughter, and Emily my greatgranddaughter. Well get through this together.
Time passes, and Kate grows attached to her two new daughtersinlaw. Helen and Emily find comfort in Kates home. Natalie visits often, bringing food and cheer. Whenever Kate coughs, Helen tends to her, bustling around the house.
Emily starts learning to bake pies with Kate. One day Natalie arrives with a woman she doesnt know. Helen walks in, sees everyone at the table with papers spread out, and slips away to her room.
Emily, dear, come here. We need to talk.
Helen sits down.
Emily, Im alone now. No one else. God sent you and your little girl to me in my old age. I want to thank Him and you by leaving a will, so you wont be left without anything when Im gone. Its all written down, so youll have a home.
Grandma, youre not feeling well. Why say this? How will we manage if you pass?
Ill still have some time left, dont worry. I just want everything to be proper, for you and your mother. Theres no one else for me but you and Natalie.
And thats that, then. Well make it work, as long as God gives us strength.
Thus life settles for the orphan and her daughter, with a little help from friends and a generous heart.
