The elderly woman handed the man money for the bus. Later, uninvited guests arrived at her door.
Martha had spent her life as a schoolteacher, but now she was forced to sell vegetables at the market to make ends meet on her meagre pension. Her son-in-law had moved on with a new wife, leaving her daughter, Emily, to return home with her little girl. Martha did what she could to help.
«Mum, I feel terrible. Youre out in the garden, at the marketyou should be resting,» Emily sighed.
«Dont worry, love. While Ive still got strength left, Ill help you and little Sophie. Besides, youve been a godsendhalf the garden weeded in just days! Id never manage alone,» Martha replied. «And Sophie needs new shoes for schoolshe cant go in those worn-out ones, can she?»
So they carried on, each supporting the other, clinging to the hope that one day, their luck might change. Of course, if Emily could just «land on her feet,» the burden wouldnt fall so heavily on Martha alone.
One morning, Martha set off early to the market. Her stall was in a prime spot, drawing crowdssomething the other vendors noticed, especially Linda, an old acquaintance from her teaching days. Before Martha could react, Linda had taken her spot.
«Sleeping in, were you? Sorry, love, this spots taken now. Itll take me an hour to pack up, so youll have to find somewhere else today,» Linda said with a smirk.
Martha didnt argueit wasnt in her nature. She found another spot nearby, laying out her produce just as her neighbour, Tanya, set up beside her.
«Hows your son-in-law? Still gone?» Tanya asked.
«Still gone,» Martha sighed. «Hes got his own life now.»
«Kids these days, no sense of responsibility. My boys the samestill gallivanting about mountains instead of settling down,» Tanya muttered.
The morning passed in idle chatter, but after lunch, a young man in shabby clothes wandered into the market.
«Been inside, has he?» Linda sneered, and the other vendors stiffened with suspicion.
The man approached Marthas stall, digging into his pockets sheepishly.
«Miss, I havent a penny to my name. Could I trouble you for an apple or two, on credit?»
«Take what you need,» Martha said, shrugging. «But hows a strapping lad like you broke?»
«Just got out, miss. Not the most welcoming place, if you catch my meaning. Made a stupid mistakeacted a fool around a womanand paid for it inside.»
«No family to help you home?»
«Got some. Too ashamed to call. Thought Id surprise them instead.»
«Wheres home, then?»
«Manchester.»
«Thats a fair way!»
The man stepped away briefly, speaking to a coach driver near the station before returning.
«Miss, pleasejust a loan. Otherwise, Ill never make it home. I swear Ill pay you back once Im on my feet,» he pleaded, eyes desperate.
«How much?»
«Fifty quid.»
Ignoring the shocked whispers around her, Martha handed him the money.
«Cant have you walking all that way. Take it.»
«God bless you, miss!» he said, gripping the note. «Names Paulwhats yours?»
«Martha Wilson.»
«Thank you, Martha Wilson!» He hurried off towards the coach.
«You daft woman! That moneys gone!» Tanya hissed.
«Weve all needed help once or twice,» Martha said quietly.
«Hes no better than a stray dogonce a convict, always a convict!»
Martha ignored her, packing up early.
By the weekend, Emily was burning with fever. Martha brewed remedies from her garden herbs, tending to her daughter as best she could.
That evening, Sophie tugged at her sleeve, clutching a storybook.
«Gran, will you read to me?»
«Of course, love,» Martha said, stroking her hair.
Outside, rain drummed against the windows. The fire crackled in the hearth as Emily set the table. Thena sharp knock at the door.
They exchanged glances. Nobody was expected.
Emily opened it cautiously. A well-dressed stranger stood there. Martha studied himthen recognition flickered.
«Paul?»
«Yes, its me, Martha Wilson. Im sorry it took so long to repay you. Lifes been complicated.»
«Wouldnt have known you! Look at yousuit, clean-shaven! Like a proper gentleman.»
«Join us for supper,» Emily offered shyly.
Over the meal, Paul told his storythree years, wrongfully convicted.
«Got my old job back nowhead of the clinic. If you ever need anything, come by.» His gaze lingered on Emily.
A week later, a familiar car pulled up outside Marthas house. Paul stepped out, arms full of flowers.
«Emily, look out the window! Your beaus here,» Martha called, peering through the curtains. «Reckon theres a wedding coming?»
«Well then,» Emily laughed, hugging Sophie tight. Sophie clapped her hands with delight as Paul knelt to hand her a small potted sunflower. «For your garden,» he said with a smile. Inside, Martha stirred a pot of soup, humming softly to herselfthe kind of tune that carries hope. That evening, as they sat together on the porch watching the sun dip below the trees, Emily reached for Pauls hand. The air was warm, the silence easy. For the first time in years, the house felt full.
