Margaret handed the man some money for the bus. Later that day, uninvited guests arrived at her doorstep.
Margaret had spent her entire career as a schoolteacher, but now, with her meagre pension, she had 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 bad for youout in the garden all day, then at the market,” Emily said. “You should rest.”
“Dont worry, love. While I still have strength, Ill help you and little Lily. Youve both been wonderfulhalf the garden weeded in just a couple of days! Id never have managed alone,” Margaret replied. “Besides, Lily needs new shoes for school. She cant turn up in worn-out ones, can she?”
So they carried on, supporting one another, holding onto hope that better days would come. Of course, if Emily could just “keep her chin up,” she wouldnt feel so alone.
One morning, Margaret set off to sell her produce. Her stall was in a prime spot, drawing plenty of customerssomething the other vendors noticed, including an old acquaintance, Linda. Before long, Linda had taken Margarets usual place.
“Sleeping in, were you? Sorry, but Ive already set up here. Itll take me an hour to pack up and another to move, so youll have to find another spot today,” Linda said bluntly.
Margaret wasnt one for arguments. She simply set up nearby, laying out her vegetables. As it turned out, her neighbour, Tracy, was selling beside her.
“Hows your son-in-law? Still gone?” Tracy asked.
“Still gone,” Margaret sighed. “Hes got his own life now.”
“Kids these days dont care for family. Mines still single, always off hiking in the Lake District,” Tracy said, shaking her head.
Time passed quickly as they chatted. After lunch, a young man in shabby clothes appeared at the market.
“Look at thatbeen inside, has he?” Linda muttered, and the other vendors exchanged uneasy glances.
The man approached Margarets stall. Digging into his pockets, he asked, “Miss, I havent a penny to my name. Could I owe you for a couple of apples?”
“Take them, love. But hows a strapping lad like you ended up skint?” she said, shrugging.
“Had to make my way back from well, not the best of places. Dont worry, Im no killerjust got tangled up in a bad decision. Ended up inside.”
“Cant your family help? Why travel alone?”
“They could, but Id rather surprise them. Dont fancy the phone call.”
“Far to go?”
“Manchester.”
“Thats a fair trek.”
The ex-con excused himself for a moment. 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 home. I swear Ill pay you back when I can,” he pleaded.
“How much?”
“Twenty quid.”
Under the stunned gaze of the other sellers, Margaret handed him the money.
“Cant have you walking all that way. Take it.”
“Thank you! Ill pay you backI promise. Names Paul. Whats yours?”
“Margaret.”
“Thank you, Margaret!” he said earnestly before heading to the bus.
“You soft thing! Hell never pay you back!” Tracy huffed.
“Weve got to help each other. Were not animals,” Margaret replied.
“Hes no better than one! Once a convict, always a convict.”
Margaret waved her off and began packing up.
By the weekend, Emily had come down with a fever. Margaret gathered herbs from the garden to tend to her as best she could.
That evening, little Lily tugged at Margarets sleeve, whispering, “Gran, will you read me a story?”
“Of course, love,” Margaret said, smoothing the girls hair.
Outside, rain pattered against the window. As the fire crackled in the hearth, Emily set the table for supper. Suddenly, a knock came at the door.
The women exchanged glancesthey werent expecting anyone.
“May I?” A stranger stepped inside. Margaret studied him before recognition dawned.
“Paul?”
“Yes, its me, Margaret. Sorry I didnt pay you back sooner. Lifes been complicated.”
“Wouldnt have recognised you if not for your eyes!” Margaret laughed. “Look at youall smart in a suit, clean-shaven. A proper gentleman now!”
“Why dont you join us for supper?” Emily offered, flushing slightly.
Over the meal, Paul told his storyhow hed been wrongfully imprisoned for three years.
“Back as the head of the clinic now, so if you ever need anything, come and see me,” he finished, his gaze lingering on Emily.
A week later, a familiar car pulled up outside Margarets house. Paul stepped out, carrying a large bouquet.
“Luv, look out the window! Your fellas here,” Margaret called, peeking through the curtains. “Reckon well be having a wedding soon?”
“Well then,” Emily laughed, hugging Lily close. “Looks like better days have come to our street after all. The garden bloomed fuller that spring, as if it knew joy was returning. Lilys new shoes sat untouched in their boxPaul had brought three pairs, just to be sure. Every Sunday, the bus stop grew quieter, while Margarets kitchen grew louder with laughter, and the scent of Sunday roast filled the house like a promise kept.
