Margaret had spent her entire career as a schoolteacher, and now, with only a small pension to live on, she was forced to sell vegetables at the market. Her son-in-law had moved on with a new wife, leaving her daughter, Emily, to return home with her young child. Margaret did what she could to help them.
“Mum, I feel awful about this. You work so hard in the garden and at the market,” Emily said. “You should be resting.”
“Dont worry, love. While Ive still got my strength, Ill help you and little Lily. Youve been a blessing toohalf the garden was weeded in just a couple of days! Id never manage alone,” Margaret replied. “And Lily needs new shoes for school. She cant turn up in worn-out ones, can she?”
So they carried on, supporting each other, believing that one day, their turn for happiness would come. Of course, if Emily could just “keep her chin up,” things might feel lighter.
One morning, Margaret set off to sell her produce. Her usual spot was prime, attracting plenty of customerssomething the other vendors noticed, including an old acquaintance, Louise. By the time Margaret arrived, Louise had already taken her place.
“Sleeping in, were you? Sorry, but Ive got your spot now. Itll take me an hour to pack up and another to set up, so youll have to find somewhere else today,” Louise announced.
Margaret, not one for arguments, simply moved nearby and laid out her goods. As it turned out, her neighbour Tanya was also there.
“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 family or children. Just to live for themselves. My boys the samestill unmarried, off hiking in the mountains,” Tanya grumbled.
Time passed quickly with their chatter. After lunch, a scruffy young man wandered into the market.
“Been inside, have you?” Louise muttered, and the other vendors shot nervous glances his way.
He approached Margarets stall, patting his pockets helplessly.
“Miss, Ive not a penny to my name. Could I borrow a couple of apples, just till I can pay you back?”
“Go on, take them. Whys a lad like you so broke?” she asked, shrugging.
“Just got out ofwell, lets say a place I shouldnt have been. Dont worry, Im no criminal. Just a stupid mistake, landed me in prison.”
“Cant your family help? Why travel alone?”
“They could. But Id rather surprise them.”
“Wheres home, then?”
“Liverpool.”
“Thats a fair way!”
The young man stepped away briefly. Near the market was the train station, and Margaret watched as he spoke to a bus driver before returning.
“Miss, pleasecould you lend me a bit? Ill never make it home otherwise. I swear Ill pay you back,” he pleaded.
“How much?”
“Fifty quid.”
Under the stunned gazes of the other vendors, Margaret handed him the money.
“Cant have you walking all that way,” she said.
“Thank you! Ill repay youI promise. Im Paul. Whats your name?”
“Margaret.”
“Thank you, Margaret!” he called over his shoulder as he hurried to the bus.
“Youre daft, Margaret! Hell never pay you back!” Tanya snapped.
“We ought to help each other. Were not animals,” Margaret replied calmly before packing up for the day.
By the weekend, Emily had come down with a fever. Margaret gathered herbs from the garden, doing her best to nurse her.
That evening, little Lily tugged at her sleeve, whispering, “Gran, will you read me a story?”
“Of course, love,” Margaret said, stroking her hair.
Outside, rain began to fall. As firewood crackled in the hearth, Emily set the table for supper. Thena knock at the door.
The women exchanged glances. They werent expecting anyone.
“Hello?” A well-dressed man stepped inside. Margaret studied him before recognition dawned.
“Paul?”
“Yes, its me, Margaret. Sorry it took so long to repay you. Lifes been complicated.”
“If it werent for your eyes, Id hardly know you!” Margaret laughed. “Look at yousmart suit, clean-shaven! Youre a sight for sore eyes.”
“Join us for supper,” Emily offered shyly.
Over the meal, Paul explained how hed been wrongly sentenced to three years.
“Now Im back as head of the clinic. So if you ever need anything, just come by,” he finished, smiling at Emily.
A week later, a familiar car pulled up outside Margarets house. Paul stepped out, carrying a large bouquet.
“Emily, look out the window! Your young mans here,” Margaret called, peeking through the curtains. “Reckon well be hearing wedding bells soon?”
“So it seems! Our turn for joy has finally come,” Emily laughed, hugging little Lily close.
Sometimes, kindness finds its way back when you least expect it.
