Margaret had given the man money for the bus. Later, uninvited guests arrived at her door.
Margaret had spent her entire career 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, had returned home with her child. Margaret did all she could to help.
“Mum, I feel terrible about this,” Emily said. “Youre out in the garden, at the marketyou should be resting.”
“Dont worry, love. While Ive still got the strength, Ill help you and little Sophie. Youve been pulling your weight toohalf the gardens weeded in just a couple of days! I couldnt manage it alone,” Margaret replied. “And Sophie 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 luck would change. Of course, if Emily could just find a decent job, things wouldnt be so hard.
One morning, Margaret headed to the market. Her stall was in a prime spot, always busy. But another vendorLydia, an old acquaintancenoticed her success and took her place.
“Sleeping in, are we? Sorry, love, but Ive already set up here. Itll take me an hour to pack up, so youll have to find another spot today,” Lydia said smugly.
Margaret didnt argueit wasnt in her nature. She set up nearby instead, laying out her produce. Another vendor, Theresa, struck up a conversation.
“Hows your son-in-law? Still gone?” Theresa asked.
“Still gone,” Margaret sighed. “Hes got his own life now.”
“Young people these daysno interest in family or children. Just themselves. My boys the same, always off hiking in the Lake District instead of settling down,” Theresa muttered.
Time passed quickly as they chatted. That afternoon, a scruffy young man wandered into the market.
“Been inside, have you?” Lydia scoffed, and the other vendors eyed him warily.
He approached Margarets stall, patting his empty pockets.
“Miss, Ive got no money left. Could I borrow a couple of apples?”
“Take them, then. But whys a lad like you short on cash?” she asked, puzzled.
“Been trying to get homefrom places you wouldnt want to visit. Dont worry, Im no criminal. Just got into a spot of trouble over a woman, thats all.”
“Cant your family help? Why travel alone?”
“They could, but I dont want to call them. Thought Id surprise them.”
“Wheres home?”
“Manchester.”
“Thats a fair way!”
The man wandered off briefly. Near the market was a bus station, and Margaret watched as he spoke to a driver before returning.
“Miss, pleasecould you lend me a bit? Otherwise, Ill never make it. I swear Ill pay you back when Im on my feet.”
“How much do you need?”
“Fifty quid.”
Ignoring the disapproving stares of the other vendors, Margaret handed him the money.
“Cant have you walking all that way. Take it.”
“Thank you! I wont forget thismy names Paul. Whats yours?”
“Margaret.”
“Thank you, Margaret!” With a grateful nod, he hurried to the bus.
“Youre daft, Margaret! Hell never pay you back!” Theresa snapped.
“Weve got to help each other. Were not animals,” Margaret replied.
“That ones no better than a stray dog,” Theresa huffed.
Margaret ignored her and packed up for the day.
By the weekend, Emily had come down with a fever. Margaret gathered herbs from the garden to nurse her.
That evening, little Sophie tugged at her sleeve. “Granny, will you read me a story?”
“Of course, love,” Margaret said, stroking her hair.
Rain tapped against the windows as Emily set the table. The family was about to eat when a knock came at the door.
They exchanged glancesthey werent expecting anyone.
“Hello?” A well-dressed man stepped inside. Margaret squinted before recognition dawned.
“Paul?”
“Yes, its me, Margaret. Sorry it took so long to repay you. Lifes been complicated.”
“I barely recognised you! Look at yousuit, clean-shaven! Quite the gentleman.”
“Join us for supper,” Emily offered shyly.
Over the meal, Paul explained how hed been wrongly sentenced to three years.
“Back at the hospital nowhead of department. If you ever need anything, just ask,” he finished, glancing at Emily.
A week later, a familiar car pulled up outside. Paul stepped out, carrying a bouquet.
“Emily, look out the window! Your beaus here,” Margaret teased. “Reckon well be planning a wedding soon?”
“So it seems! Looks like our lucks finally turned,” Emily laughed, hugging Sophie close.
