Margaret had given the man money for the bus. Later, uninvited guests arrived at her door.
Margaret had spent her life as a schoolteacher, but now, with her meagre pension, she was forced to sell vegetables at the market. Her son-in-law had moved on with a new wife, and her daughter, Emily, returned home with her young child. Margaret did what she could to help.
«Mum, I feel terrible about this,» Emily said. «You’re out in the garden all day, then at the market. You should be resting.»
«Dont worry, love,» Margaret replied. «While Ive still got the strength, Ill help you and little Sophie. Youve been pulling your weight toohalf the weeds gone in two days! I couldnt have managed that alone. And Sophie needs new shoes for school. She cant turn up in scuffed ones, can she?»
So they carried on, leaning on each other, believing that one day, their luck would change. Of course, if Emily could just «keep her chin up,» she wouldnt have to struggle on her own.
One morning, Margaret set off to sell her produce. Her usual spot was prime, drawing plenty of customerssomething the other vendors noticed, including her old acquaintance, Linda. Before Margaret could settle in, Linda had taken her place.
«Sleeping in, were you? Sorry, love. Ive already set up here. Itll take me an hour to pack up and another to unpack if I move, so youll have to find another spot today,» Linda said smugly.
Margaret didnt argue. It wasnt in her nature. She set up nearby, arranging her vegetables carefully. As luck would have it, her neighbour, Tanya, was selling beside her.
«Hows your son-in-law? Still gone?» Tanya asked.
«Still gone,» Margaret sighed. «Hes got his own life now.»
«Young people these days dont want families or children. They just want to live for themselves. My boys the samestill unmarried, off hiking in the Lakes whenever he pleases,» Tanya muttered.
Time passed quickly as they chatted. After lunch, a dishevelled young man wandered into the market, drawing nervous glances from the vendors. He made his way to Margarets stall, patting his empty pockets.
«Aunty, Ive got no money left. Could I borrow a couple of apples? Just until I can pay you back?»
«Take them, love,» Margaret said with a shrug. «But hows a strapping lad like you got no money?»
«Ive just got out ofwell, lets say Ive been away. Not a violent bloke, mind you. Just made a stupid mistake, followed the wrong crowd.»
«Cant your family help? Why travel alone?»
«Could ring them, but Id rather surprise them. Show up on their doorstep, you know?»
«Wheres home?»
«Manchester.»
«Thats a fair way!»
The man stepped away briefly. The train station was just beyond the market square, and Margaret watched him exchange words with a driver before returning.
«Aunty, pleasejust lend me a bit. Otherwise, Ill never get home. I swear Ill pay you back when Im back on my feet,» he pleaded, his eyes desperate.
«How much dyou need?»
«Twenty quid.»
Under the shocked stares of the other sellers, Margaret handed him the notes without hesitation.
«Cant have you walking all that way. Take it.»
«Thank you! I mean itIll pay you back. Names Paul. Whats yours?»
«Margaret.»
«Thank you, Margaret!» He hurried off toward the bus stop.
«You daft woman!» Tanya hissed. «Youll never see that money again!»
«Weve all needed help at some point,» Margaret said quietly. «Hes not an animal.»
«A cons a con, wherever hes from!»
Margaret ignored her and packed up for the day.
By the weekend, Emily had come down with a fever. Margaret brewed her remedies from garden herbs, doing what she could.
That evening, little Sophie tugged at her sleeve, clutching a storybook.
«Gran, will you read to me?»
«Of course, love,» Margaret said, smoothing her granddaughters hair.
Outside, rain pattered against the windows. Emily set the table as the fire crackled in the hearth. Just as they were about to eat, a knock startled them.
They exchanged glancesthey werent expecting anyone.
The door opened, and a stranger stepped in. Margaret squinted, then recognition dawned.
«Paul?»
«Thats me, Margaret. Sorry it took so long to pay you back. Lifes been complicated.»
«Wouldnt have recognised you if not for your eyes! Look at youproper suit, clean-shaven! You scrub up well.»
«Join us for supper,» Emily offered shyly.
Over the meal, Paul shared his storywrongly sentenced to three years, now back as a hospital administrator.
«If you ever need anything, come by the clinic,» he finished, glancing at Emily.
A week later, a familiar car pulled up outside Margarets house. Paul stepped out, holding an enormous bouquet.
«Love, look out the window!» Margaret called. «Your young mans here with flowers. Reckon well be hearing wedding bells soon?»
Emily laughed, hugging Sophie close. The rain had stopped, leaving the garden glistening under a pale moon. Margaret stepped outside, breathing in the damp earth and the faint scent of rosemary from the border. She watched as Emily and Paul sat on the porch steps, talking softly, Sophie curled against them like a contented cat. Inside, the kettle began to whistle, a sound as ordinary and comforting as the rhythm of their days. Margaret smiled to herself, tying her apron a little tighter, knowing that sometimes, help finds its way back when you least expect it.
