Emma, dont think ill of me! Im not a vagrant. Call me John Whitaker. Ive travelled to my daughters flat. Its a hard story to tell
There are only a few hours left until midnight. All the office staff have long since gone home, but no one is waiting for Emma
To avoid returning to work on 2January, she decides to finish her tasks early.
She knows a couple of salads, some fruit and a bottle of sparkling water are already waiting for her in the fridge, prepared in advance. No one is waiting for her to dress up. She feels like slipping off her heels and pulling on a soft pyjama.
It turns out she and David split a few months ago, and the breakup was so painful that Emma doesnt rush to start a new relationship.
Now she feels comfortable being alone
David tries to win her back, calling a few times, but Emma refuses to start over. Nothing good will come of it, she thinks. Were not a pair, its too complicated.
She doesnt even want to think about him; thats the past, why ruin the night?
Emma steps off the bus. A few more steps and shes home.
Outside the block, on a bench, she suddenly notices an elderly man standing beside a small Christmas tree.
Probably a visitor, she assumes.
She greets him and he nods without meeting her eyes.
She thinks a tear or the reflection of streetlights glints in his eyes, but she shrugs it off and darts into the hall.
The evening grows chilly, and Emma shivers.
After a quick shower she slips into her favourite fluffy pyjama, pours a cup of tea and walks over to the window.
Strangely, the old man is still sitting on the bench outside.
More than an hour has passed since Emma got home; there are two hours left until NewYear. If he came to visit, why is he still out in the cold? And that glint in his eyes! she wonders.
She sets the table, switches on the fairy lights on her little tree, but her thoughts keep drifting back to the lone old man.
Half an hour later she looks out again; he hasnt moved a muscle.
Maybe hes not feeling well, she thinks. He could freeze.
Emma throws on a coat and steps outside.
She sits down beside him on the bench.
He looks at her and then turns away.
Excuse me, are you alright? I noticed youve been sitting here alone for a long time. Its cold out. Can I help you with anything? she asks.
The old man sighs.
Nothing, dear! Im fine, Ill just sit a bit longer and then Ill be off, he says.
Where to? Emma asks.
To the railway station. Ill head home.
Dont worry about that. I dont want to see you shivering on the bench at sunrise. Please, get up! Come inside, warm up, and then you can go wherever you need, she insists.
But
No buts! Lets go, she says firmly.
Emma knows that if her friend Grace were here she would make a big fuss, but Grace isnt around, and Emma cant leave the old man out in the cold.
He gets to his feet and reaches for the tiny tree.
May I take it? he asks.
Sure, why not, Emma replies.
Inside, he places the tree modestly in the hallway, strips off his coat, and shivers with each step. He finally sits at the kitchen table, Emma pours him a mug of tea, and he warms his hands over the cup, taking a few slow sips before looking up.
Emma, dont think ill of me! Im not homeless. My name is John Whitaker. Ive come to see my daughter. Its a hard thing to explain, he begins.
He tells her how he and his wife Claire drifted apart years ago, how he fell for another woman, and how that led to a noisy night when he slammed the door and left for his lover. Their daughter was five then.
He admits he tried to help at first, but Claire was proud and refused any support, even alimony. She wanted to raise their child alone. He tried to send money through his parents, but the funds kept being returned.
Ten years later he and his second partner Lucy returned to the city after her death, moved into his parents flat, sold it, bought a small cottage in a village outside town, and lived there. He never managed to have children of his own.
Two years ago Lucy passed away, leaving him alone. Today, he walks to his daughters flat not expecting forgiveness. Hes watched her from the same doorway for years.
He bought a Christmas tree and came, but she wouldnt let him in.
I understand everything now, he says. Why did I come? What did I hope to see? Im a stranger to her. I have nothing to lose a house, a decent pension, I could even help my daughter, the one person I still love.
He pauses, then adds, All would be different if Claire had let me be part of our daughters life.
He leaves his daughters block and wanders aimlessly, ending up on the bench, frozen in place. Perhaps he would have stayed there forever, but fate has other plans. He thinks he might still be needed somewhere.
Thank you, my dear, he says to Emma, Im warm now, Ill wait for the bus and go home.
The bus wont run until morning, and theres only half an hour to NewYear. Stay, Ill put a spare mattress on the sofa and you can sleep here. In the morning you can catch the bus, Emma offers.
John Whitaker looks at Emma.
Im very uncomfortable, dear. No one would normally let a stranger stay like this. Honestly, I dont want to be alone tonight. If youll let me, Ill stay until morning, he pleads.
Deal, Emma says.
In the morning John gathers his coat.
Thank you, Emma, for everything. Youre an angel, you saved me from a foolish decision. I really wanted to stay on that bench, he admits.
Come visit me sometime, he adds. Its not far I have a few acres, a small apiary with five hives behind the house, beautiful in summer. The garden is full of apples, pears, everything you could want. In winter its cosy, the river runs nearby. Youll love it.
Will do, John Whitaker! Emma replies.
Good, Ill be on my way. Thanks again, he says, and walks out, disappearing around the corner.
Emma watches the window until John Whitakers figure fades.
Thats how it goes sometimes family you never knew, sometimes strangers become family.
Emma lost her parents early, and after hearing the old mans sad tale she decides she will definitely pay him a visit.
She smiles, leaves a comment, and shares the story.
